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4 soldiers hurt in grenade attack

COTABATO CITY — Four soldiers were injured in a grenade attack in Barangay Madia in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur late Saturday.

Local officials said the bombing was perpetrated by terrorists helplessly trying to project capability to sow terror still after 516 of their companions in Maguindanao del Sur and in nearby Central Mindanao provinces had surrendered in batches to different units of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division and the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region since 2020.

Municipal officials and barangay leaders in Datu Saudi Ampatuan said on Sunday that the bombing hurt four members of the 6th Mechanized Infantry Battalion, who were immediately rushed by their companions to a hospital for treatment.

The victims were in their roadside detachment in Barangay Madia in Datu Saudi Ampatuan when someone threw a fragmentation grenade at them and ran away.

Lt. Col. Roden R. Orbon, spokesperson of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the bombing was preceded by the surrender of 16 local terrorists in a symbolic rite in Barangay Buayan in nearby Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur on Friday.

Three of the 16 gunmen had told local officials and reporters then that their companions had tried to prevent their surrender. They also warned to carry out attacks to counter public perception that the Dawlah Islamiya and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters had been decimated after hundreds of members had been reintegrated into society.

“Our constituents had relayed to us that there is really this desperate bid by the few remaining terrorists out there to overcome public awareness that these two groups are now so weak,” said a local official, who requested anonymity for security reasons. — John Felix M. Unson

Experience a royal first: Warabimochi Kamakura opens at SM Megamall

The wait is over! The globally celebrated Japanese dessert brand Warabimochi Kamakura has officially opened its doors at SM Megamall’s Level 3, Mega Fashion Hall. Known for its melt-in-your-mouth magic, this viral sensation is the latest addition to SM Supermalls’ reputation as the #HomeOfFirsts, bringing first-to-market brands and world-class culinary experiences to Filipino foodies.

A Taste Fit for Royalty

Once a delicacy reserved for Japanese royalty, warabimochi has been reimagined by Warabimochi Kamakura into a global phenomenon. Crafted with a secret recipe and premium ingredients, their signature warabimochi boasts a delicate, jelly-like texture that dissolves blissfully in your mouth. Available in Kinako (roasted soybean flour) and Matcha, each serving is paired with a luscious Kuromitsu syrup that elevates the flavor.

But the experience doesn’t end there — Warabimochi Kamakura is also famous for its warabimochi drinks, a modern twist on the classic dessert. These refreshing beverages come packed with chewy warabimochi pieces in flavors like Matcha, Hojicha, Strawberry, Coffee, and the zesty Matcha Lemonade. Don’t miss out on their limited-edition seasonal flavors, with the first to be launched this Valentine’s Day, which are always worth the wait!

A Global Sensation Lands in Manila

With over 65 stores across Japan and a growing presence in foodie destinations like South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, USA, Australia and China, Warabimochi Kamakura has captured the hearts of dessert lovers around the world. Known for its viral appeal and signature taste, it’s no surprise that the brand has become synonymous with long lines and eager customers. Now, as part of SM Supermalls’ #HomeOfFirsts, SM Megamall is proud to be the exclusive Philippine destination where you can experience this sweet sensation firsthand.

Discover What’s New at SM Megamall

SM Supermalls takes pride in being the #HomeOfFirsts — bringing you the best in world-class dining, first-to-market brands, and groundbreaking experiences that redefine what it means to have it all. Warabimochi Kamakura’s arrival at SM Megamall expands the mall’s roster of brands offering Filipino mallgoers unforgettable experiences that both inspire and connect communities. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in the world-renowned Japanese dessert phenomenon — come visit and be part of this sweet sensation!

Stay connected! Follow @kamakura_philippines on Instagram for updates, exclusive content, and sneak peeks. For more sweet discoveries and exciting first-to-market brands, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media.

 

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NCR building materials retail price growth cools further in February

PHILIPPINE STAR/ RUSSELL PALMA

Price growth of retail construction materials in the National Capital Region (NCR) eased to eight-month low in February, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Friday.

Preliminary data from the PSA showed February construction materials retail price index (CMRPI) slowed to 1.1% in February, from 1.2% recorded in January. The index maintained its rate from February last year.

This was the weakest reading in eight months or since the 1% growth recorded in June 2024.

Year to date, the CMRPI averaged 1.1%, a bit slower than the 1.2% average in January-February 2023.

The PSA said that six out of seven commodity groups showed slower annual increases in February, with plumbing materials leading the downward trend as the index eased to 0.4% from 0.8% in January.

Plumbing materials was the second most heavily weighted commodity in the index, accounting for 17.3% of the CMRPI.

Other commodity groups also reported slower price growths, such as miscellaneous construction materials (0.4% in February from 0.6% in January), tinsmithry materials (1.5% from 1.6%), carpentry materials (0.9% from 1.0%), electrical materials (1.7% from 1.8%), and masonry materials (0.2% from 0.3%).

Only the index for painting materials and related compounds saw an increase to 2.7% from 2.2%. — P.O.A. Montalvo

Empowering QC women entrepreneurs through digital literacy

Quezon City Mayor Maria Josefina "Joy" Belmonte | photo by Edg Adrian A. Eva

by Edg Adrian A. Eva, Reporter

Women entrepreneurs must be empowered with digital literacy to overcome challenges faced by them, Quezon City and female business leaders emphasized during a women’s entrepreneurship forum held in Robinsons Galleria Ortigas on Tuesday.  

Organized by Robinsons Department Store in collaboration with Spark! Philippines and the Quezon City Government, the event was held in honor of International Women’s Month. 

The event gathered accomplished women entrepreneurs alongside key leaders of Quezon City, including Mayor Maria Josefina “Joy” Belmonte. 

During the forum, entrepreneurs shared their success stories and discussed the significant role social media played in their achievements. 

For the 42-year-old local cosmetic brand Ever Bilena, listening to customers and embracing change is the key to its long-lasting success. 

“It’s really about listening to where people are going, figuring out the touchpoints, and determining the best ways to reach our customers,” Denice Sy Munez, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at Ever Bilena Cosmetics, Inc. said in an interview.  

“When you’re focused on truly seeing them and understanding your audience, it becomes easier to embrace change—and right now, it’s means social media,” she added.  

According to Ms. Sy, Ever Bilena has sustained its popularity among the younger demographic, with an average age of 28, by staying attuned to marketing trends, such as its recent partnership with K-pop idol Chanyeol. 

Melanie Lim Magboo, founder of clothing brand Binibini Marikit, and Janine Codizal of women’s underwear brand Ecora Philippines, also shared how social media catapulted their young companies to success.

 

photo by Edg Adrian A. Eva

Bridging the gap for women entrepreneurs  

Despite progress in the fight for equality, women still face limited access to essential resources, opportunities, and knowledge needed to succeed in business, Mona Celine Yap, head of Quezon City’s Small Business Cooperatives and Development Promotions Office (QC-SBCDPO), said in her presentation.  

“Women continue to work twice as hard to prove themselves, have their voices heard, and secure their rightful place in business and society,’ Ms. Yap said.  

According to a 2023 survey by the Asian Development Bank, 58% of women-owned MSMEs in the Philippines identified access to finance as a significant challenge, compared to 37% of their male counterparts.  

This disparity is primarily due to the perceived complexity of application processes, stringent documentation requirements, and associated costs. 

Ms. Yap emphasized that by teaching women to leverage technology like social media, they can overcome these challenges and achieve financial independence. 

“Digital tools will open doors to new markets, provide access to financial literacy, and offer innovative solutions to the challenges women face in economic participation,” Ms. Yap furthered. 

Meanwhile, Mayor Joy Belmonte told BusinessWorld that helping women to be economically empowered is key to addressing various issues faced by them, such as domestic violence.   

“When women are empowered, they are brave enough to leave a relationship that maltreats them… They will be more choosy in terms of who they choose as their partner. They know their self-worth, they know their value, and their value is not attached to any man,” Ms. Belmonte said.  

She added that the local government continues to develop and support programs under QC-SBCDPO initiatives that provide women with business opportunities and help them succeed in the digital space. 

Among these is QC’s Academy for Women Entrepreneurs, which offers virtual and in-person training to help women develop business skills.  

The city also runs Pangkabuhayang QC, a livelihood and financial assistance program open to all local residents, where women make up 81% of the beneficiaries.  

Another is POP QC (Proudly Original Products of Quezon City), a marketplace opens to all QC businesses owners, with women comprising 77% of its members. 

With most women engaging in QC-SBCDPO initiatives, Ms. Yap affirmed that “the future of business is female,” with the local government committed to further support. 

US judges order Trump administration to reinstate thousands of fired workers

FREEPIK

Federal judges in California and Maryland on Thursday ordered U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration to reinstate tens of thousands of probationary federal workers who lost their jobs as part of mass firings carried out across multiple agencies.

The back-to-back rulings were the most significant blow yet to the effort by Trump and top adviser Elon Musk to drastically shrink the federal bureaucracy. Government agencies face a Thursday deadline to submit plans for a second wave of mass layoffs and to slash their budgets.

U.S. District Judge James Bredar in Baltimore agreed with 20 Democratic-led states that 18 agencies which had fired probationary employees en masse in recent weeks violated regulations governing the laying off of federal workers.

His decision came hours after U.S. District Judge William Alsup during a hearing in San Francisco ordered the reinstatement of probationary employees terminated at the U.S. Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Agriculture, Department of Energy, Department of Interior and the Treasury Department.

Mr. Alsup said the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, the human resources department for federal agencies, had improperly ordered those agencies to fire workers en masse even though it lacked the power to do so.

“It is a sad day when our government would fire some good employee and say it was based on performance when they know good and well that’s a lie,” said Mr. Alsup, an appointee of former President Bill Clinton, a Democrat.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt in a statement said Mr. Alsup lacked the power to issue the ruling and that the administration would “immediately fight back.”

“The President has the authority to exercise the power of the entire executive branch – singular district court judges cannot abuse the power of the entire judiciary to thwart the President’s agenda,” Ms. Leavitt said.

Mr. Alsup during the hearing said agencies can engage in mass layoffs but are required to comply with a number of legal requirements.

Probationary workers typically have less than one year of service in their current roles, though some are longtime federal employees. They have fewer job protections than other government workers but in general can only be fired for performance issues.

Mr. Alsup ordered the agencies to reinstate workers who were fired over the last few weeks, pending the outcome of a lawsuit by unions, nonprofit groups and the state of Washington.

He did not order the 16 other agencies named in the lawsuit to reinstate workers, but said he would promptly issue a written decision that could expand on Thursday’s ruling.

A Veterans Affairs spokesperson declined to comment. A Department of Interior spokeswoman said the agency does not comment on litigation over personnel matters.

The other agencies did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The plaintiffs include the American Federation of Government Employees, which represents 800,000 federal workers. The union’s president, Everett Kelley, said in a statement the decision was an important victory against “an administration hellbent on crippling federal agencies and their work on behalf of the American public.”

 

25,000 WORKERS

Mr. Alsup last month had temporarily blocked OPM from ordering agencies to fire probationary employees, but declined at the time to require that fired workers get their jobs back. The plaintiffs subsequently amended their lawsuit to include the agencies that fired probationary workers.

About 25,000 workers across the U.S. government had been fired as of March 5, according to a Reuters tally, and another 75,000 have taken a buyout. The Trump administration has not released statistics on the firings, and it was not immediately clear how many employees could be affected by Thursday’s decision.

In the lawsuit beforeMr. Alsup, the plaintiffs claim the mass firings were unlawful because they were ordered by OPM rather than left to the discretion of individual agencies.

OPM has maintained that it merely asked agencies in a January 20 memo to identify probationary workers and decide which ones were not “mission critical” and could be fired, and did not order them to terminate anyone.

The agency on March 4 revised that memo, adding that it was not directing agencies to take any specific actions with respect to probationary employees.

OPM has pointed to the updated memo and to press releases by agencies as proof that it had no control over agencies’ decisions.

Mr. Alsup on Thursday told the U.S. Department of Justice lawyer representing OPM, Kelsey Helland, that he did not believe that was true, and scolded the government for not presenting OPM’s acting director, Charles Ezell, to testify at the hearing.

“I’ve been practicing or serving in this court for over 50 years and I know how we get at the truth, and you’re not helping me get at the truth. You’re giving me press releases, sham documents,” Mr. Alsup said.

Helland said it was common for presidential administrations to prevent high-ranking agency officials from testifying in court, and that the information provided by OPM in court filings was enough to prove that it never ordered agencies to terminate workers.

The Merit Systems Protection Board, which reviews federal employees’ appeals when they are fired, earlier this month ordered the Agriculture Department to reinstate nearly 6,000 probationary workers at least temporarily. – Reuters

G7 seeks unity as Trump’s tariffs, Ukraine stance weighs on ties

FLICKR

LA MALBAIE, Canada – Diplomats from the G7 nations were set to negotiate late into the night over a joint statement to show a united front in Canada on Thursday after weeks of tension between U.S. allies and President Donald Trump over his upending of Western trade and security policy.

The Group of Seven ministers from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States, along with the European Union, convened in the remote tourist town of La Malbaie, nestled in the Quebec hills, for meetings on Thursday and Friday that in the past have been broadly consensual.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed his colleagues on talks on Tuesday with Ukraine in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where Kyiv said it was ready to support a 30-day ceasefire deal.

But officials said ambiguous comments by Russian President Vladimir Putin left delegates unclear where things stood.

In the run-up to the first G7 meeting of Canada’s presidency, the crafting of an agreed all-encompassing final statement had been tough, but diplomats said the atmosphere since had been positive and candid.

There was hope for an accord, something they said was vital to show unity.

“If we can’t reach agreement on the communique, then it shows the division. It’s not in the interest of any of the members of the G7,” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told Reuters on the sidelines of the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting.

Mr. Kallas said she was optimistic and that there was good wording on Ukraine so far that she hoped remained.

A Japanese official echoed Mr. Kallas, saying failure to reach an agreement would only benefit China and Russia.

A U.S. decision to impose 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports immediately drew reciprocal measures from Canada and the EU, underscoring the tensions.

“Under @POTUS’s leadership, we are going to use forums like the G7 to counter our adversaries and stand by our allies. America First!” Rubio said on X.

Washington had sought to impose red lines on language around Ukraine and opposed a separate declaration on curbing Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, a murky shipping network that eludes sanctions, while demanding more robust language on China.

A draft communique seen by Reuters made no mention of possible new sanctions on Russia.

However, it emphasized the need for robust and credible security guarantees so that a ceasefire would be respected and that Ukraine would be able to deter and defend itself against future aggression.

The draft, substantially shorter than a statement in November that took aim at Russia, welcomed U.S. efforts in Jeddah and Ukraine’s commitment to an immediate ceasefire. It urged Russia to follow “unconditionally.”

It also includes tougher language on China, as requested by Washington, and language on Taiwan that will likely be encouraging to Taipei.

Since Mr. Trump’s return to office on January 20 the United States has taken a less friendly stance with Ukraine and moved closer to Moscow, pushing for a quick deal to end the war and demanding European partners take on more of the burden without openly endorsing their role in future talks.

Two diplomats said there was also wrangling over language regarding Gaza and the Middle East, notably the notion of a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, something the U.S. was resisting, and could ultimately stop an agreement.

A G7 statement on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference in February made no mention of a two-state solution. Mr. Kallas said there could be a similar compromise.

The draft also warned Syrian’s transitional authorities that targeted measures could be taken if what it called “massacres” against civilians in the coastal areas did not end.

 

TARIFFS TO 51ST STATE

Mr. Trump has suggested the G8 might be revived with the return of Moscow 11 years after its membership in the group was suspended over its claimed annexation of Crimea.

Even Japan, heavily reliant on American security guarantees, has found itself in Mr. Trump’s firing line.

“It’s very difficult. Maybe we should wait for the G8,” said one European diplomat ironically.

Nowhere have the difficulties for U.S. allies been more apparent than in Canada.

Relations between the United States and Canada are at an all-time low, thanks to Trump’s threats to impose tariffs on all imports from Canada and his frequent musing about annexing the country to make it the 51st U.S. state.

Mr. Trump issued a new tariff threat on Thursday, warning Europe that he could slap 200% tariffs on wine imports if it did not back down on measures against American whiskey.

Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said on Wednesday she would be on the offensive at the G7 and coordinate a response with the Europeans to put pressure on the U.S. – Reuters

UN Security Council to condemn Syria violence, say diplomats

REUTERS

UNITED NATIONS – The United Nations Security Council has agreed to a statement condemning widespread violence in Syria’s coastal region and calling on Syria’s interim authorities to protect all Syrians, regardless of ethnicity or religion, diplomats said on Thursday.

The Russian and U.S.-drafted presidential statement is due to be formally adopted on Friday, the diplomats said. Such statements are agreed by consensus. It comes after the 15-member council met behind closed doors on Syria on Monday.

Several days of violent clashes in Syria’s coastal region pitted loyalists of deposed President Bashar al-Assad against the country’s new Islamist rulers. A war monitoring group said more than 1,000 people had been killed.

Entire families including women and children were killed in Tartus and Latakia – where members of Assad’s minority Alawite sect lived – as part of a series of sectarian killings by rival groups, the U.N human rights office said on Tuesday.

“The Security Council calls on the interim authorities to protect all Syrians, regardless of ethnicity or religion,” reads the statement, seen by Reuters. “Syria’s interim authorities must hold the perpetrators of these mass killings accountable.”

Syria’s interim President Ahmed Sharaa said mass killings of members of Assad’s minority sect were a threat to his mission to unite the country, and promised to punish those responsible, including his own allies if necessary.

“The Security Council welcomes the Syrian interim authorities’ public condemnation of instances of violence and calls for further measures to prevent its recurrence,” reads the council statement.

It also “reaffirms its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria and calls on all States to respect these principles and to refrain from any action or interference that may further destabilize Syria.”

The statement did not identify any countries. However since Assad was ousted in December, Israel has carried out extensive airstrikes on Syrian military bases and moved forces into a U.N.-monitored demilitarized zone within Syria, in what it has said was a defensive and indefinite measure.

The Security Council statement also stresses the importance of countering terrorism in Syria and expresses “grave concern over the acute threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters,” urging Syria to take “decisive measures to address the threat.” – Reuters

The largest Filipiniana book section in the Philippines

No bookstore could match Solidaridad Bookshop’s Filipiniana section, said its current owner Antonio J. Jose.

Interview by Patricia Mirasol
Video editing by Arjale Queral

Vietnam reviewing duties to boost import of US LNG, high-tech goods, PM says

REUTERS

HANOI – Vietnam is reviewing its duties on U.S. goods, including on liquefied natural gas, agriculture and high-tech products, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh told the U.S. ambassador to the country, a report on the government’s website said.

The Southeast Asian industrial hub, which is heavily reliant on exports to the United States and has a large trade surplus with Washington exceeding $123 billion in 2024, is scrambling to avoid reciprocal tariffs that the Trump administration has threatened globally to reduce America’s trade deficit.

Chinh said “relevant ministries, sectors and agencies are actively reviewing import tariffs on goods from the United States, encouraging increased imports of key U.S. products that Vietnam needs, especially agricultural products, liquefied gas and high-tech products,” the report on the government portal said.

Chinh met U.S. ambassador Marc Knapper on Thursday.

A delegation led by Vietnam’s trade minister Nguyen Hong Dien is currently in the United States and plans meetings with top trade and energy officials with the aim of reaching deals, according to a Vietnam’s government document seen by Reuters.

Vietnamese officials have repeatedly indicated their will to meet U.S. requests on reducing trade imbalances and facilitate U.S. business in the country, including by pledging a quick licensing process for Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite services.

Vietnamese imports of U.S. LNG have often been mentioned by Vietnamese and U.S. officials as a means to reduce the large trade gap, but no concrete steps have been taken yet.

The Vietnamese fledgling LNG industry currently relies on short-term deals for small shipments, rather than multi-year contracts preferred by U.S. exporters.

In February, the trade minister said Vietnam was ready to import more farm products from the United States.

More than one-fourth of U.S. exports to Vietnam last year were agricultural products, mostly cotton, soybeans and tree nuts, for a total value of $3.4 billion, according to U.S. government data.

Vietnam is also keen to import more U.S. high-tech products, including AI-grade chips, but faces restrictions on accessing the most advanced semiconductors under rules adopted by the Biden administration.

DigiPlus wins gold for excellence in corporate reporting

DigiPlus Interactive Corp. (DigiPlus), the pioneer in digital entertainment in the Philippines and the company behind leading brands BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, SpinPlus, and GameZone, has been awarded Gold for Asia’s Best Integrated Report: First-time Category at the 10th Asia Integrated Reporting Awards (AIRA).

DigiPlus’ 2023 Integrated Report, titled “Ushering a New Era of Digital Entertainment,” chronicles its strategic transformation, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and responsible business growth. The report is aligned with international reporting standards, ensuring a comprehensive and transparent disclosure of the company’s strategy, governance, and performance.

“We are honored to be recognized among the best in Asia for our first-ever Integrated Report. This award reaffirms our commitment to transparency, responsible business practices, and sustainable growth,” said Celeste Jovenir, Vice President of Investor Relations, Corporate Communications, and Sustainability at DigiPlus. “At DigiPlus, we always aim to build a resilient enterprise that will create lasting value for our stakeholders.” 

Raising the bar for integrated reporting

As a globally recognized benchmark for excellence, AIRA honours reports that exemplify transparency, integrated thinking, and value creation. The 2024 AIRA Awards received entries from leading companies across seven countries. Winning reports undergo a rigorous, multi-layered evaluation by an independent panel, ensuring only the most outstanding integrated reports receive recognition.

“At the Asia Integrated Reporting Awards, we celebrate organizations that drive excellence in corporate reporting. DigiPlus stands out for its commitment to high-quality integrated reporting, exemplifying best practices in integrated thinking and multi-capital management for value creation,” said Rajesh Chhabara, Founder of AIRA and Managing Director of CSRWorks.

By clinching a gold award in its debut year, DigiPlus solidifies its position as a corporate leader dedicated to accountability and responsible business growth, ushering a new era of digital entertainment, with sustainability at its core.

 

Spotlight is BusinessWorld’s sponsored section that allows advertisers to amplify their brand and connect with BusinessWorld’s audience by publishing their stories on the BusinessWorld Web site. For more information, send an email to online@bworldonline.com.

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Changes to SIM registration opposed

Mobile phone users try to register their SIM cards in this file photo. — PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN

By Ashley Erika O. Jose, Reporter

TELECOMMUNICATIONS companies are opposing the National Telecommunications Commission’s (NTC) proposal to require personal appearance for the registration of subscriber identity module (SIM) cards.

“Requiring mandatory appearance for SIM registration runs contrary to the principle of universal access. People from the countryside cannot and will not be able to do face-to-face registration because of the distance and challenges to travel,” Globe Telecom, Inc. General Counsel Froilan M. Castelo said in an e-mail to BusinessWorld on Thursday.

Smart Communications, Inc. Head of Regulatory Affairs Roy D. Ibay said mandatory appearance of mobile phone users as part of the registration process was discussed when the SIM Registration Act was being crafted.

However, Mr. Ibay said this was only considered as an option and not entirely part of the registration process.

“The challenge is for the government to be able to validly verify any or all government IDs that the SIM Registration law allows,” Mr. Ibay said in a Viber message to BusinessWorld.

Earlier this week, the NTC said it is considering requiring a person to be present when registering the SIM card.

This is part of its planned comprehensive review of the current online registration process, which has “faced criticism as a contributing factor to the surge in text scams where unscrupulous individuals exploit the system to sell their identities to others.”

Republic Act No. 11934 or SIM Registration Act, which was enacted in 2022, requires mobile phone users to register their SIMs under their names or risk deactivation.

Mr. Ibay said personal appearance should only be required if there are discrepancies in validation like unverifiable identification (ID) cards or other technical issues.

“The option for mandatory appearance of users may happen if there will be a need for manual validation on unverifiable IDs submitted or other technical errors during the normal SIM registration process online by new subscribers,” Mr. Ibay said.

BusinessWorld also sought comments from DITO Telecommunity Corp. but had yet to receive a response as of the deadline.

Globe’s Mr. Castelo said if NTC is considering tapping local government units (LGUs) to oversee the registration process, some LGUs in remote areas may not be able to do the SIM registration process.

“The very essence of universal access is to provide connectivity to all Filipinos at the lowest possible price and the easiest way to get it. Requiring face-to-face registration will defeat this principle,” Mr. Castelo said.

Samuel V. Jacoba, founding president of the National Association of Data Protection Officers, said that the NTC’s proposal might be helpful in fighting fraud but the implementation of the proposal may not be feasible.

“There are millions of Filipinos with mobile phones, some using multiple SIMs. Plus, they may collect facial or other biometrics for authentication. How will they protect those sensitive personal information?” he said in a Viber message.

The NTC should come up with a more thorough operational plan that will optimize the agency’s use of public funds, Mr. Jacoba said.

Sought for comments, Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC)  Executive Director Alexander K. Ramos said the SIM Registration Act also stems from the government’s ambition of digitalization.

“The whole idea of digitalization is you want it to be fully automated,” he told reporters in a cybersecurity conference. “But if it is the regulator saying it, then you have to comply.”

For now, Mr. Ramos said the National Privacy Commission is studying how to properly share data without jeopardizing or disclosing personal information.

“Right now, the whole process of authentication is critical. It is faster when it is automatic, but it should not be on level one only. There must be multiple authentication processes,” he said.

Currently, SIM card registration only requires individuals to take a photo, submit a government-issued ID card, and provide personal information.   

This process has been exploited by scammers, with some individuals selling their identities despite the existing penalties of imprisonment for two to six years and fines of up to P300,000, NTC said.

In 2024, NTC proposed amendments to the SIM Registration Act to Congress. The commission sought provisions granting NTC the authority to regulate the number of SIMs an individual can own and the possibility of limiting valid government-issued ID cards.   

Additionally, NTC is recommending a provision mandating agencies responsible for issuing government-issued IDs to develop a validation platform accessible to public telecommunications entities (PTEs).   

Last year, PTEs blocked 3.34 million scam messages and deactivated 3.12 million SIM cards, contributing to the overall reduction of text scams and SIM fraud.   

Smart is the wireless unit of PLDT Inc. Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has a majority stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls.

Manila Water rate hike to take effect in April

A man fills up a container with water in Manila, April 23, 2024. Customers of Manila Water Co. should expect higher water bills in April. — PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN

CUSTOMERS of Manila Water Co., Inc. will see higher water bills starting in April as the east zone concessionaire seeks to recover losses incurred from foreign exchange movements, according to the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory Office (MWSS RO).

At the same time, west zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. deferred the implementation of its rate adjustment to the third quarter.

At a briefing on Thursday, MWSS RO Chief Regulator Patrick Lester N. Ty said that the agency approved the tariff increase of P0.04 per cubic meter for Manila Water as part of its foreign currency differential adjustment (FCDA) for the second quarter.

“Because of the FCDA, there is going to be an increase from P0.61 to P0.65 or a P0.04 increase, resulting in an all-in tariff of P61.08 compared to P61.04 [in the first quarter],” Mr. Ty said.

The FCDA is a quarterly reviewed tariff mechanism used by the MWSS. Water concessionaires are allowed to adjust their rates based on fluctuations in foreign exchange rates to manage the impact on their foreign currency-denominated loans. These loans were used to finance the concessionaires’ projects to expand and improve water and sewerage services.

According to Manila Water, the FCDA is based on the peso-dollar exchange rate as of December 2024 versus September 2024.

“There was a 4.24% increase in the USD exchange rate, which a bigger percentage of our loans are denominated in,” it said.

The peso weakened against the US dollar in the fourth quarter of 2024, closing at its record low of P59 thrice (on Nov. 21, Nov. 26, and Dec. 19.).

The peso traded at the P57-P59 per dollar range in the fourth quarter of 2024, and at the P55-P58 per dollar range in the third quarter of 2024.

For the second quarter, Manila Water customers who consume 10 cubic meters or less will see their bills increase by P0.21 to P255.04 from P254.83 in the first quarter.

Those consuming 20 cubic meters will see their monthly bills go up by P0.45 to P563.92, while those consuming 30 cubic meters will see their bills increase by P0.90 to P1,149.65.

Enhanced lifeline customers and low-income customers will not see any bill adjustments.

Meanwhile, the MWSS said Maynilad deferred the implementation of the upward tariff adjustment of P0.09 per cubic meter to the third quarter.

“Maynilad has opted to defer its scheduled adjustment to mitigate the immediate financial pressure to consumers. This deferment, which will see the adjustment applied in the next quarter, is a business decision and it’s not a waiver,” Mr. Ty said.

In a statement, Maynilad confirmed it deferred the FCDA, which was driven by peso depreciation against the dollar. It noted the concession fees or the MWSS loans it “inherited” are largely denominated in US dollar.

“Maynilad regularly evaluates various factors when implementing FCDA adjustments, including foreign exchange movements and their impact on our loan obligations,” it said.

“While the mechanism allows for quarterly adjustments, we considered it prudent to maintain rate stability for this period. Moving forward, FCDA adjustments will continue to be applied as needed, based on prevailing conditions.”

Last year, the MWSS Board of Trustees issued a resolution approving the FCDA guidelines prepared by MWSS RO, which became effective on Aug. 21, 2024.

“Please take note that the two concessionaires will not earn any income for the FCDA. This adjustment, based on the foreign currency exchange fluctuations, is purely pass-on amount and this will not result in any income on the part of Manila Water or Maynilad,” Mr. Ty said.

Beginning January this year, the two concessionaires implemented water rate hikes following the approval of the regulator as part of the third tranche of approved tariffs for the 2023-2027 rate rebasing period.

Rate rebasing is done every five years, accompanied by a performance review and validation of the two concessionaires’ projected cash flows. It also sets the water rates in a manner that allows the water suppliers to recover their expenditures.

Manila Water serves the east zone network of Metro Manila, covering parts of Marikina, Pasig, Makati, Taguig, Pateros, Mandaluyong, San Juan, portions of Quezon City and Manila, and several towns in Rizal province.

Maynilad serves parts of Manila, Quezon City, and Makati, as well as Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas, and Malabon. It also supplies water to the cities of Cavite, Bacoor, Imus, and the towns of Kawit, Noveleta, and Rosario in Cavite province.

Metro Pacific Investments Corp., which has a majority stake in Maynilad, is one of three Philippine units of First Pacific Co. Ltd., the others being Philex Mining Corp. and PLDT Inc. Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has an interest in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

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