A news and information service for Filipino seafarers sponsored by the All Japan Seamen's Union, International Mariners Management Association of Japan and Philippine-Japan Manning Consultative Council, Inc.
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August 31, 2026
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HEADLINES
LTO to tighten noose on improvised license plates starting Sept. 1
Bruno Mars to bring ‘The Romantic Tour’ to Bulacan in 2027
FULL NEWSPAPER
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Japan to raise foreigners' residency fees in October
TOKYO, August 31 ------ Japan's government adopted an ordinance Tuesday to raise fees for foreigners to renew and change their residency status to up to 75,000 yen from a uniform 6,000 yen at present, effective in October.
New fees for people who take necessary procedures at an administrative office counter will include 10,000 yen for the period of up to three months, 33,000 yen for one year, 64,000 yen for three to less than five years, and 75,000 yen for five years or more.
Applying for permanent residency status will cost 200,000 yen, up sharply from 10,000 yen. The fee hikes were included in the revised immigration control and refugee recognition law enacted in May. Meanwhile, the scope of people eligible for reduced fees was expanded based on public comments.
The Immigration Services Agency's related guidelines initially stipulated that the fee could be reduced to 10,000 yen for temporary stay and 20,000 yen for permanent residency for people who meet two conditions--having financial hardships equivalent to the levels of welfare recipients under the public assistance law and needing humanitarian consideration.
Based on public comments, the agency expanded the scope of people whose fees can be reduced in light of humanitarian conditions to include foreigners who single-handedly safeguard and raise biological children of Japanese nationals or special permanent foreign residents, as well as those for whom the denial of residency is considered inhumane. Special permanent foreign residents refer to those who have lived in Japan since before World War II and lost their Japanese citizenship after the war as well as their descendants.
The revised law caps the fees at 100,000 yen for temporary residency and 300,000 yen for permanent residency. Specific fee levels are decided under a relevant ordinance.
Source: pna.gov.ph
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FDA approves landmark pancreatic cancer drug that's shown to improve survival
WASHINGTON, D.C., August 31 ------ The Food and Drug Administration approved a groundbreaking new drug for advanced pancreatic cancer, offering US patients a more effective treatment against one of the deadliest types of cancer. FDA officials gave expedited approval to the first-of-a-kind pill, called daraxonrasib, which blocks a mutated protein that fuels tumor growth in more than 90 percent of pancreatic cancer cases. It's an approach that previously eluded drugmakers for decades.
The daily pills will be sold by Revolution Medicines under the brand name Rasonque. A one-month supply would cost approximately $39,800, the company announced. Patients taking the drug nearly doubled their survival time, with fewer severe side effects, in a study that randomly assigned them to receive the experimental treatment or more chemotherapy. The company-funded study enrolled 500 patients whose metastatic, or spreading, cancer had quit responding to prior treatment.
Patients getting the new treatment lived for a median of 13.2 months compared with 6.7 months for chemotherapy recipients. Side effects included skin rash, mouth sores, diarrhea and other digestive issues. “This is one of the most anticipated approvals I can think of,” said Dr. Andrew Coveler of the Fred Hutch Cancer Center. “This medicine is not a cure but a significant improvement.”
Pancreatic cancer is among the most deadly forms in large part because it is hard to detect before it starts spreading to other organs. The American Cancer Society estimates about 67,000 new cases will be diagnosed in the United States this year and more than 52,000 people will die from the disease. The five-year overall survival rate is 13%.
The drug garnered public attention earlier this year when former Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., described on CBS' “60 Minutes” how he has had less pain while taking it. A surge in public interest led the FDA to allow “expanded access,” before the drug’s official approval, for patients who met certain criteria.
FDA regulators noted on Wednesday that they approved the drug more than six months ahead of their target date. "It is our fundamental duty to deliver more cures and meaningful treatments to patients as quickly as possible,” the FDA's acting commissioner, Kyle Diamantas, said in a statement. Unlike with other cancers that have benefited from a variety of chemotherapy alternatives, pancreatic cancer has been harder to tackle.
The new drug targets mutations in the RAS gene family that normally regulates cell growth. What are known as KRAS mutations are especially critical in fueling pancreatic cancer. But a structure that made it hard for drugs to stick to the mutated proteins meant this cancer driver was long considered “undruggable.”
Doctors who treat pancreatic cancer hope the drug may usher in more new options for other forms of cancer, with scores of experimental drugs in development. “I think this has opened doors for many other companies,” said Dr. Pashtoon Kasi of City of Hope Orange County, a California-based cancer center. “Downstream I think there are going to be a lot more trials looking at this approach in other tumor types.”
Revolution Medicines’ drug uses what’s essentially a molecular glue to bind with multiple KRAS subtypes. The Redwood City, California-based drugmaker is studying its technology for several other forms of cancer, including lung cancer.
Source: manilatimes.net
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MARITIME NEWS
"Alternative" GHG Proposals Would Derail IMO's Climate Progress
August 31 ------ The shipping sector makes up 2-3% of global greenhouse gas emissions - about the same as the world’s fifth biggest emitting country, Japan. With accelerated climate warming already driving devastating impacts around the world, such as record heatwaves, flooding, wildfires and droughts, there is no doubt that the industry must rapidly lower its greenhouse gas emissions. For the shipping sector, the question is no longer whether it needs to decarbonize, but how best to meet the goals of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) GHG (greenhouse gas) Strategy and to reach net zero by 2050.
Four proposals of concrete measures to lower shipping’s climate impact have been circulated among IMO member states for potential adoption at MEPC 85 in December. Among them is the IMO’s long-negotiated compromise agreement, the Net-Zero Framework (NZF).
While not perfect, the NZF has received broad political support from IMO member states, and remains the best tool available to meet the IMO’s GHG Strategy goals on climate, decarbonization and a just and equitable energy transition for the shipping industry The result of multiple rounds of negotiations, the NZF is already by any measure an acceptable compromise. Any further weakening would lead to a less effective, slower, and costlier transition.
The NZF includes a “global fuel standard” (GFS), which requires ship operators to gradually decrease the amount of greenhouse gas emitted by shipping fuels - or pay penalties. The framework also introduces a mechanism that puts a price on the greenhouse gases ships emit, giving the industry a clear financial incentive to reduce emissions in line with the global fuel standard.
Back in May, my colleague John Maggs wrote that the “IMO’s Net-Zero Framework is back on track”, but that supporters must remain “vigilant and strong in order to parry inevitable future attacks and attempts to further delay the process of adoption, which is scheduled for early December”.
With the next round of negotiations, the IMO’s Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG 22), coming up next week, those threats have materialized in the form of “alternative” proposals from a number of IMO member states. Having analyzed the available proposals, the Clean Shipping Coalition has found two of them unfit for decarbonization: those submitted by Liberia and Japan.
Liberia
Instead of setting reduction targets on a path to net zero, the submission from Liberia - the world’s largest flag state - would allow ships to stick to conventional fuels if they think cleaner alternatives are too costly or unavailable.
Additionally, Liberia’s proposal puts greater emphasis on trading of surplus units, while removing the idea of mandatory payments into a Net-Zero Fund. Without reduction targets or financial incentives, this would not cause a shift in the shipping sector beyond business-as-usual, while the lack of available funds would make it impossible to address disproportionately negative impacts on states. Liberia’s proposal constitutes a fundamental redesign which will fail to deliver on the goals set out in the 2023 IMO Greenhouse Gas Strategy.
Japan
Japan's proposal would not deliver on the goals set out in the GHG Strategy 2023. Japan has put forward a questionable alternative to compliance payments flowing into a centralized fund, which would allow shipowners to direct payments to projects of their own choice.
Without safeguards and oversight from a governing board, such a system risks creating a scheme where money is invested into projects that look good, but achieve little. This system would divert necessary investments from zero or near-zero (ZNZ) technologies and fuels, which require support and incentives early in the transition, and instead support incremental dead-end ‘solutions’ involving fossil fuels like LNG, or biofuels, causing a technological lock-in and sunk costs.
Furthermore, a central fund administered by the IMO or another independent body and sufficient contributions to it are key to enable a just and equitable transition. In order to leave no one behind, states facing disproportionately negative impacts - like small island developing states and least developed countries - need financial support, which they made abundantly clear at previous negotiations. Japan's proposal would lose the support of one group of states in an attempt to appease another.
Japan’s proposal also carries serious procedural risks. As it wasn't circulated six months ahead of the meeting (as is the normal requirement), it cannot be adopted under normal rules at MEPC 85.
The IMO already delayed its planned timetable of establishing a climate framework for global shipping in 2025 by adjourning MEPC ES.2 for a year. By diverting attention from circulated proposals, the submission from Japan risks throwing the IMO further off-course.
Getting to the Net-Zero Framework is the result of multiple years of negotiations. The result is based on a Comprehensive Impact Assessment, and has the ability to deliver on the goals of the IMO GHG Strategy 2023. Now is the moment for the IMO and all its member states to have the courage to protect and adopt the Net-Zero Framework “as is”.
Source: maritime-executive.com
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BIMCO: Black Sea conflict influences global grain shipments to fall 8% y/y
August 31 ------ In this week’s “Shipping Number of the Week” from BIMCO, Shipping Analysis Manager, Filipe Gouveia, looks at the decline in global grain shipments which have fallen 8% y/y in the last five weeks, fueled by a 26% y/y drop in grain exports from the Black Sea.
As the region plays a significant role in grain trade, and account for roughly 14% of global seaborne grain volumes, prolonged disruptions could have a significant impact on food prices and supply. Over the last five weeks (week 29-33) global grain shipments have fallen 8% y/y, fueled by a 26% y/y drop in grain exports from the Black Sea as Russian and Ukrainian attacks on ships and port infrastructure have intensified. "A recent proposal by Ukraine to halt attacks on shipping in the Black Sea has been rejected by Russia, reducing hopes for a near-term recovery in exports. In addition, weaker maize shipments from Brazil due to delayed harvest have weighed on global grain volumes," said Filipe Gouveia, Shipping Analysis Manager at BIMCO.
Attacks on ships in the Black Sea escalated on 6 July 2026 when Ukraine launched Operation MoLoChKa. The attacks initially targeted Russian-linked ships in the Sea of Azov but expanded into the Black Sea, where both ships and port infrastructure have been targeted. During the following weeks, Russia intensified attacks on Ukrainian ports and merchant ships, causing many shipowners to suspend calls at Ukrainian ports. "While Black Sea ports account for only 3% of global dry bulk seaborne exports, the region plays a larger role in grain trade and account for roughly 14% of global seaborne grain volumes. Russia and Ukraine are among the world’s largest exporters of wheat and maize, supplying countries in Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Asia. Continued disruptions could therefore have a significant impact on food prices and supply," said Gouveia.
As a result of the disruptions in the Black Sea, Russia and Ukraine are expected to seek alternative export routes for their grain cargoes. Russia has reportedly started redirecting cargoes towards overland routes and to ports in the Caspian Sea, Baltic Sea and the Far East. However, these routes may face capacity constraints, particularly on railway links to the Far East where coal exports have already encountered bottlenecks.
Ukraine has also sought alternative export corridors, looking to redirect cargoes to its Danube ports as well as Romanian ports. However, these routes face significant capacity constraints, making them unable to fully replace the volumes normally shipped through Ukraine’s Black Sea ports. "Ukraine’s export restrictions could create significant storage bottlenecks and increase the risk of spoilage. Ukraine’s Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food recently estimated that the country could face a storage deficit of 11m tons by November, equivalent to 13% of this year’s expected grain and oilseed harvest," Gouveia noted, adding that this risk is growing as wheat, barley and rapeseed harvesting is still ongoing, while maize, sunflower seed and soya bean harvesting is expected to begin in the coming weeks.
Source: safety4sea.com
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Gibson: Crude vessel segments move in different directions
August 31 ------ The crude vessel segments have crossed wakes this year — moving in different directions even as they share the same waters. Crude ton-miles softened overall in 2026 to date, though Suezmaxes and Aframaxes picked up share even as VLCCs came under pressure, Gibson Shipbrokers highlighted.
As explained in Gibson’s latest tanker market report, VLCC ton-miles fell 14.5% year-on-year over January-July, driven primarily by a sharp decline in Middle Eastern crude export volumes. Lower VLCC utilization on WAF routes added further drag, as continued weak Chinese buying removed a key long-haul outlet even as WAF cargoes increasingly redirected toward Europe/Med instead.
Long-haul USGC-Far East demand partly offset the decline, peaking in May before retreating to near pre-war levels as dwindling SPR inventories and high US refinery utilization left less crude for export. The Yanbu-East detour, though theoretically ton-mile accretive, has so far seen only scarce fixtures, limiting its offsetting effect. "Actual VLCC ton-miles are likely marginally higher than reported, as dark activity in the Middle East keeps some running unaccounted for in the data. That gap also helps explain why VLCC earnings have remained elevated even as recorded ton-miles fell: with more VLCCs tied up in Middle East STS workarounds and slow steaming, the effective fleet has stayed tighter than the headline ton-mile trend suggests."
VLCC earnings now are rangebound at $170,000-200,000k/day. The strong freight rate has, in turn, prompted charterers to pivot toward splitting cargoes onto Suezmaxes where possible, adding to ton-mile gains this year.
Suezmax ton-miles rose 10% over first seven months of this year as the Atlantic basin leant more heavily on the segment across the board. WAF exports utilized more Suezmaxes as more cargoes moved to Europe/Med. Russian crude exports from the West also rose sharply — more crude has been freed up after Ukrainian strikes on refineries, and more volume heading to India — with Suezmax covering most of the increase and the longer India run adding ton-miles.
A recent uptick in Sidi Kerir loadings gave Suezmax a further boost as the Red Sea crisis pushed more Saudi barrels to Atlantic refiners, though that’s a shorter run. CPC loadings, however, dipped from their May peak as Black Sea risk hit port ops, before recovering once Ukraine pledged not to target vessels loading there.
Aframax ton-miles rose almost 27% on broader activity across the Atlantic basin. USGC activity firmed via reverse lightering and transatlantic flows to UKC/Med, holding up even as the broader USGC market pulled back. Steady Venezuelan crude flows since the US eased sanctions on the sector in early 2026 also supported mainstream Aframax demand.
High TMX export volumes and Aframax’s competitiveness on the eastwards shipments remained steady ton-mile contributors. Aframax utilization for Russian barrels stayed largely flat despite the rise in export volumes. Despite this sizeable ton-mile increase, TCEs have retreated since April, now hovering around low-$30,000/day and low-$80,000/day for TD14) and TD25 respectively, as continued LR2 dirtying-up kept tonnage loose. "Looking ahead, each crude vessel segment carries a distinct vulnerability, though one common thread runs across all segments: the ongoing pullback in USGC export volumes, which has already faded from May’s peak as SPR inventories draw down and refiners keep utilization elevated, leaving progressively less crude available for export as the year goes on."
This affects both Aframaxes and VLCCs directly — Aframaxes given its heavy reliance on USGC-Atlantic flows, a risk compounded by continued LR2 dirtying-up which keeps adding competing tonnage even as underlying demand softens; and VLCCs, since USGC-Far East volumes have been one of the few factors keeping VLCC ton-miles from collapsing further, meaning any additional decline here will remove one of the segment’s key support factor.
VLCC ton-miles, meanwhile, remain most exposed to Chinese import demand, since China’s imports have stayed well below pre-war levels for most of the year, leaving it the one major buyer with real room to add barrels and boost long-haul demand at scale; this added demand could tighten tonnage supply further — a pool with some tonnage already tied up in Middle East Gulf for STS workarounds — supporting current earnings levels. "Middle East developments will determine the scale of that lift: continued disruption would force China further afield for replacement barrels and add long-haul ton-miles, while a resolution would let it revert to shorter-haul Gulf crude, still adding demand but with a smaller ton-mile uplift. Suezmax risk sits mainly in the Black Sea and Europe. CPC exports remain exposed to a risk of further attacks."
European autumn maintenance usually cuts crude intake and would normally weigh on Suezmax pull, but strong margins and tight supply this year could see refiners trim or delay turnarounds, keeping intake firmer than the seasonal pattern suggests.
Source: safety4sea.com
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PHILIPPINE NEWS
PH, Japan activate defense logistics pact
August 31 ------ The Department of National Defense (DND) announced the entry into force of the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) between the Philippines and Japan, a framework that allows the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) to exchange supplies and services during joint activities.
DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio R. Andolong said the agreement, signed in January, will enhance operational cooperation between the two countries’ militaries. “The ACSA framework further strengthens our operational cooperation through the efficient and coordinated provision of supplies and services between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Self-Defense Forces of Japan, which will greatly impact our bilateral activities including exercises and humanitarian assistance and disaster response,” he said.
The DND said that ACSA provides the two militaries with an agreed framework for requesting, providing, and settling payment or reimbursement for supplies and services during authorized activities. The arrangement can cover logistical requirements such as fuel, food and water, transportation, accommodation, maintenance and repair, communications, storage, and airport and seaport services. It may also cover ammunition under provisions of the agreement. For AFP and JSDF personnel conducting a joint exercise, the arrangement means either side can provide agreed supplies and services without having to establish separate logistical arrangements for every activity, the DND added.
The same system could be used during humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations, which is particularly relevant to Manila, which regularly faces typhoons, earthquakes, and other disasters requiring rapid deployment and sustained logistical support. “This agreement also demonstrates the practical application of our comprehensive strategic partnership with Japan, characterized by mutual trust and our aspiration for a free and open Indo-Pacific region,” Andolong added.
The two countries have steadily expanded defense ties in recent years, with Tokyo providing patrol vessels, radar systems, and training support to the AFP. The DND said that the ACSA builds on these initiatives by institutionalizing logistics cooperation, a mechanism already in place between Japan and its key allies. The agreement took effect amid regional security challenges in the Indo-Pacific, where both countries have underscored the importance of freedom of navigation and adherence to international law amid Chinese aggression.
Source: mb.com.ph
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LTO to tighten noose on improvised license plates starting Sept. 1
August 31 ------ The Land Transportation Office (LTO) will crack down on motorists who use improvised or replica license plates on their vehicles without due authorization starting September 1.
Interviewed on Super Radyo dzBB, LTO chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao warned that the agency will not tolerate such violations on the road. The crackdown will also include some manufacturers of improvised plates, the LTO chief said, as the agency seeks to put an end to the illegal practice. "Starting September 1 po kasi, Ma'am Weng, lahat po nu'ng gumagawa ng improvised plate o 'yung mga, alam po ninyo, yung mga replica plate, 'yung eksaktong ginagaya po nila 'yung plaka ng LTO, bawal po iyon," Lacanilao said.
As for motorists who use such plates, Lacanilao said, "Huhulihin po namin iyon. Kapag po wala, kailangan po kasi ma'am, kapag kayo ay naka-improvised plates, kailangan may dala-dala kayong authorization. Makukuha po iyon sa LTO."
Lacanilao's statement comes a week after news broke out that actor-model Derek Ramsay was asked to explain his involvement in an LTO probe involving a Porsche 918 found using an alleged fake license plate.
Last Monday, Ramsay and the car's buyer, businessman Anthony Violago, went to the LTO headquarters in Quezon City to surrender the vehicle.
Based on the LTO's initial findings, Ramsay had allegedly sold the vehicle to the businessman. However, the vehicle had not yet been transferred to the buyer's name, leaving Ramsay as its registered owner in the agency's records.
During the same radio interview, Lacanilao was asked if motorists may avail of improvised plates sold online. He warned: "Ipinagbabawal po iyon. Kukumpiskahin po namin 'yung makikita naming ganoon sa daan (Those are illegal. We will confiscate them if we spot them on the road)."
According to Lacanilao, the risk of allowing unauthorized plates to go unchecked is their potential use in criminal activities. "Kasi po ma'am, sa totoo lang, aminin na po natin, isang paraan po iyan ng paggamit ng mga kriminal para itago po nila ang mga sasakyan nila at makaikot sila sa mga kalye, kasi mabilis silang, biruin ninyo, eksaktong eksakto, kinokopya nila yung government-issued plate. Bawal na bawal po." Lacanilao said the LTO has asked assistance from the Philippine National Police (PNP) to go after individuals behind the illegal manufacturing operations. Even those offering similar services near LTO sites will be halted, Lacanilao said.
The use of improvised plates without LTO authorization will result in impounding of the vehicle on top of a P5,000-fine. Fake plates without proper authorization will be confiscated by the LTO. Lacanilao advised those who lost their license plates to submit an affidavit of loss with the LTO and apply for a replacement of duplicate plate. Should it be approved, the LTO can issue the authorization to use improvised plate.
For Metro Manila motorists, Lacanilao said it would be best to apply with the LTO main office in Quezon City for faster processing as the agency's license plate production facility is located there.
Source: gmanetwork.com
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Marcos eyes 5 dams, 100-km dike after Central Luzon floods
MANILA, Philippines, August 31 ------ The government plans to build five sabo dams in Nueva Ecija and is studying a roughly 100-kilometer road-dike toward Bataan as part of longer-term efforts to reduce flooding in Central Luzon, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said.
On Monday, August 24, Marcos announced the plans after a situation briefing in San Fernando City, Pampanga, on the effects of the enhanced southwest monsoon, or habagat, on Region 3. He said the five sabo dams would help slow water flowing down from upland areas near the Sierra Madre, reduce sediment buildup and store water that could later be used by households, industries and farms. "'Yan ay makakatulong para bawasan ang bilis nang pagbaba ng tubig, mabawasan ang siltation, at makakapag-ipon pa tayo ng tubig para gamitin for household use, industrial, for irrigation sa agrikultura," Marcos said.
A sabo dam is a small barrier built across mountain streams to trap rocks, soil and other debris while slowing the flow of water downstream. The structure helps reduce sediment buildup and the force of runoff reaching low-lying communities.
Road-dike toward Bataan
Marcos said the government is also studying a road-dike extending toward Pilar, Bataan, to help block water coming from Manila Bay. "This is the long-term plan, sa kasalukuyan ay pinag-aaralan ngayon natin," Marcos said. "That is about a hundred kilometers kaya medyo matatagalan." The proposed road-dike is among broader plans being studied to protect low-lying areas around Manila Bay from flooding.
Climate change, unfinished projects
Marcos said problems with flood-control projects were not the only factor behind the severe flooding in Central Luzon. He also pointed to the unusually intense rainfall, which he attributed to climate change. "Kailangan maunawaan din ng tao na 'yung climate change ay talagang nandito na at nandiyan tayo naaapektuhan," Marcos said.
The President also acknowledged that some flood-control projects, particularly in Bulacan, had not been completed and said damaged infrastructure would be repaired. He said the government would pursue immediate, medium-term and long-term measures as flooding continued to affect parts of Central Luzon.
Source: philstar.com
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DOH reports 39% drop in HIV cases in Q2 2026
MANILA, August 31 ------ Newly reported human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases in the country decreased by 39 percent in the second quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year, according to the latest surveillance report from the Department of Health (DOH).
In a Facebook post, the Philippine National AIDS Council shared that data from the One HIV/AIDS & STI Information System (OHASIS) showed that 2,994 confirmed HIV-positive cases were registered from April to June 2026, down from previous quarterly figures. This brings the average daily rate to 33 cases per day, reflecting a 35 percent drop from the preceding quarter.
Among the newly reported cases, 2,865 or 96 percent were males and 129 or 4 percent were females. Ages ranged from under one year to 79 years old, with a median age of 28. The 25–34 age bracket accounted for the largest share at 43 percent or 1,294 cases, followed by youth aged 15–24 at 31 percent or 918 cases. Of the total Q2 diagnoses, 828 individuals or 28 percent had advanced HIV disease at the time of testing, marking a 45 percent decline compared to the same period in 2025.
Since the country recorded its first HIV case in 1984, cumulative diagnoses reached 171,066 as of June 2026. Males comprise 94 percent or 161,529 of all cumulative cases, while females account for 6 percent or 9,527. The National Capital Region (NCR) accounted for 19 percent or 567 cases of the new Q2 diagnoses, followed by Calabarzon with 11 percent or 338 cases, Central Luzon with 9 percent or 280 cases, Soccsksargen with 8 percent or 235 cases and Western Visayas with 6 percent or 189 cases.
Together, these five regions comprised 54 percent of all newly detected infections during the quarter. As of June 2026, the DOH estimated that 288,000 People Living with HIV (PLHIV) reside in the country. Of this estimated total, 159,997, or 56 percent, have been formally diagnosed. About 69 percent or 111,154 of the diagnosed individuals enrolled in life-saving Antiretroviral Therapy (ART).
About 57 percent of all PLHIV on ART achieved viral suppression. Compared to the first quarter of 2026, diagnosis coverage improved by 2 percentage points and viral suppression among those on ART rose by 7 percentage points, though treatment coverage dipped by 3 percentage points.
Uptake of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) continued its upward trajectory, with 9,640 new enrollees recorded in the second quarter. This reflects a 10-percent increase from the first quarter. Young adults aged 18 to 34 comprised 84 percent of new PrEP enrollees for the quarter.
NCR facilities accommodated the majority of new enrollees at 55 percent, followed by Calabarzon at 15 percent, and Central Visayas at 6 percent. Since PrEP was introduced in the Philippines in March 2021, a total of 107,567 clients have accessed the preventive medication. The DOH noted that testing infrastructure has expanded nationwide, with reporting Certified Rapid HIV Diagnostic Algorithm Confirming Laboratories (CrCLs) increasing from 26 facilities in 2021 to 195 as of mid-2026.
Source: pna.gov.ph
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Comelec: Five-year barangay term can start after November 2 polls
MANILA, Philippines, August 31 ------ The proposed five-year term for barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials can be implemented without postponing the BSK elections scheduled on Nov. 2, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia said.
Garcia said an alternative proposal was discussed during a Senate hearing on Monday that would allow the BSKE to proceed as scheduled, with the five-year term taking effect for those elected in the November vote. The Senate committee on local government has endorsed to the plenary a proposal to move the BSKE from November 2026 to November 2028, with succeeding elections to be held every five years.
The filing of certificates of candidacy for the BSKE is from Sept. 28 to Oct. 5. Some P8 billion has already been spent for the preparations, Garcia said.
Source: philstar.com
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DOE: PUV fuel subsidy to continue until year-end
MANILA, Philippines, August 31 ------ The government’s fuel subsidy program for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers will continue at least until the end of the year due to still-volatile pump prices, according to Energy Secretary Sharon Garin. “I believe (it will continue) while we still have the problem on fuel, as long as we have funds and the government can still pay for it because this is an expense for the government,” Garin told reporters. “We will try to keep it there until supply lasts or until the problem goes away.” he added.
Elevated pump prices have already burdened PUV drivers, shrinking the earnings they bring home. Since Aug. 15, the government has raised the fuel subsidy to P12 per liter from P10. With the subsidy capped at 150 liters per week, drivers can save up to P1,800. The government has already shelled out P491.61 million in fuel subsidies for 96,197 unique beneficiaries, according to Oil Industry Management Bureau chief Rino Abad.
Drivers can avail themselves of the subsidy at any of the 3,312 participating gasoline stations. Abad said the fuel subsidy program will undergo monthly review to determine the budget needed based on the number of PUV drivers availing themselves of discounts.
Source: philstar.com
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DA enhances agri alerts, early warnings vs. supply, price disruptions
MANILA, August 31 ------ To prevent harvest spoilage and dropping farmgate prices, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said it is enhancing its alerts and early warning system for the agriculture sector.
Under the DA’s Agricultural Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS), the mechanism may help project possible supply disruptions and allow proper market linkage between local farmers and buyers ahead of time. In a statement, DA Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) Head and Assistant Secretary for Agribusiness, Marketing, and Consumer Affairs Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra said the strategy will provide the government with a clearer outlook. “The monitoring system will give us alerts on upcoming harvests, weather disturbances, and other developments that could affect the supply chain to help us trigger assistance earlier,” she said.
The alerts seek to cover regular harvest projections, farmgate price monitoring, and triggers for logistics and other assistance. Guevarra said this will strengthen the agency’s planning, help prevent unscrupulous practices and abuses by traders and middlemen, and enable the government to respond more swiftly to potential supply shortages or market disruptions.
In particular, the DA-AMAS wants to maximize the benefits of the early warning system to “urgently” protect the income and welfare of vegetable farmers as persistent oversupply tends to overwhelm markets and force farmers to dump unsold produce along roadsides due to high transport costs. “We want to move from reacting to problems to anticipating them,” Guevarra said.
The DA also wants to make Kadiwa assistance more accessible to farmers, especially those in trading centers. DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said this early warning system will help cover the gap while construction of agricultural infrastructure is underway. Setting up cold storage and vegetable processing facilities to prevent spoilage of local produce is part of the government’s long-term solution in agriculture. “Our long-term solution is mega cold storage and vegetable processing facilities,” Tiu Laurel said. “We have set aside funds for 2027, and those facilities will be located beside the Benguet Agri Pinoy Trading Center,” he added.
Source: pna.gov.ph
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Quiapo Church begins security planning for Nazareno 2027
MANILA, Philippines, August 31 ------ With about five months to go, Quiapo Church has started its security planning for the Nazareno 2027, noting that this year’s Traslación lasted nearly 31 hours.
Fr. Ramon Jade Licuanan, Quiapo Church parish priest, said preparations are underway as millions of devotees are expected to join the celebration next year. Licuanan said the security, crowd control and logistics concerns have to be planned well, noting the huge crowd and Manila’s narrow streets. “It is very challenging to ensure that the celebration is orderly, solemn and safe,” Licuanan said. He added that church officials would meet with the police, military and Malacañang ahead of the event in January. He encouraged dioceses nationwide to hold local celebrations through the “Dalaw Nazareno” program, which distributes replicas of the image.
According to Licuanan, this would help address crowd management and promote wider devotion. The theme for Nazareno 2027 is “Tuwirin ninyo ang daraanan ng Panginoon” (John 1:23), emphasizing the spiritual focus of the celebration.
Source: philstar.com
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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
Sharon Cuneta, Apl.de.ap, Kuh Ledesma lead this year’s TOFA honorees
August 31 ------ The annual Outstanding Filipino Awards (TOFA) is gearing up for its 16th edition, set to take place at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts in Florida on Oct. 24. The awards show will be staged at 8 p.m. at the Terry Theater, capping off the two-day TOFA gathering.
My good friend, Elton Lugay, is once again behind the much-anticipated event. I’m honored to be invited again as a host of the highly celebrated award-giving body in the US that recognizes and puts the spotlight on remarkable Filipinos who excel in their respective fields, such as entertainment, public service, health care, business and community advocacy here and abroad. I have been hosting TOFA since 2015, and I always feel the same Pinoy pride whenever I’m onstage.
As the founder of TOFA, Elton talked about what to expect in the upcoming event. “TOFA 2026 continues our mission of recognizing outstanding Filipinos around the world. Organizing it each year is challenging because of the breadth and quality of nominees we receive; Filipino talent is everywhere,” he said. “After 12 years in New York, we brought TOFA to Los Angeles, Honolulu and Las Vegas. This year, we return to the East Coast in Jacksonville, which has one of the largest Filipino-American communities in Florida.”
Elton’s fervent desire to give deserving Filipinos the recognition they can proudly share with their families, colleagues and communities inspired him to establish TOFA. “We wanted to create an annual source of pride for Filipino Americans,” Elton said.
According to him, raising funds to produce the gala is the biggest challenge since he started TOFA, but it only motivates him to improve and make every year’s event more significant. “I wanted the community to have something meaningful to look forward to each year, a celebration that could serve as a home for our heritage, achievements and shared Filipino pride.”
Former White House executive chef Cristeta “Cris” Comerford will deliver the keynote address. She served five US presidents, from Bill Clinton to Joe Biden, until her retirement in 2024.
The TOFA 2026 awardees include Megastar Sharon Cuneta, Original Pilipino Music (OPM) icon Kuh Ledesma, Grammy Award-winning Black Eyed Peas member Apl.de.ap, former US ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas Jr. and his wife, Filipina executive Mithi Aquino Thomas (jointly recognized), fashion designer and “Project Runway” winner Veejay Floresca and Filipino American singer Jenn Cuneta, whose single titled Come Rain Come Shine reached No. 2 on Billboard’s Dance Airplay chart in 2005.
Also joining this year’s TOFA honorees are Sharol Noblejas, honorary consul of the Philippines in Florida and founder and president of Jax Filipinos, Inc.; Joey Omila, a long-time Tampa Bay community leader and co-founder of PhilFest; Redner Salonga, a Jacksonville autism advocate and co-author of Bayani and the ABCs of Me; World War II veteran Remigio “Rey” Cabacar; pharmaceutical executive Alfonso “Chito” Zulueta; entrepreneur Ildeme “Demee” Mahinay Koch; dancer and choreographer Sydney Loyola; nurse leaders Dr. Agustin Guido III, Dr. Romeo Devera, Carol Manilay-Robles and Job Marconi Mascardo; social work leaders Dr. John Paul Abenojar and Melvin Joseph Dizon; and children’s author Mona Liza Santos.
Adding spectacle to the entire gathering are special performances by the Philippine Performing Arts Company of Tampa, Parangal Dance Company of the San Francisco Bay Area, Starlink Artists of Los Angeles and TOFA performers from New York.
I asked Elton what he loves most about working on and being the founder of TOFA. His reply was, “I love meeting remarkable people and sharing their inspiring stories with the world. TOFA helps show that Filipinos are not defined by one profession — we are public servants, educators, artists, entrepreneurs, entertainers and leaders in many fields.”
He looks forward to the next five years and plans to accomplish many things for the global award-giving body. “In five years, we hope to honor once again the 100 Most Influential Filipinos in the World, as we did during the pandemic in 2020 and for TOFA’s 15th anniversary in Las Vegas,” Elton said. “We also want to recognize more deserving Filipinos who may be quietly doing important work in their fields and communities.”
Source: philstar.com
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Queen of the Islands stirs curiosity with star-studded lineup
August 31 ------ Earning huge buzz on social media at the moment is a pageant called Queen of the Islands. It is easy to see why people are curious. Among those reportedly joining are Miss Universe Philippines titleholders Ahtisa Manalo, Michelle Dee, MJ Lastimosa, Ariella Arida, and Gazini Ganados.
Other beauty queens in the mix include Herlene Budol, Yllana Aduana, Tarah Valencia, and Alethea Ambrosio.
PBB Collab alumni Shuvee Etrata and AZ Martinez are also set to return to the pageant scene, putting the two in another beauty contest where they will once again face each other.
Fans are also looking forward to seeing Sanya Lopez, dubbed the “hot Maria Clara,” and Faith da Silva, known for her role as “Sang'gre Flamarra.” Other Sparkle artists joining the lineup include Ashley Ortega, Skye Chua, Haley Dizon, Jade Tecson, and many more. With such a curious mix of names, questions have naturally followed.
Is “Queen of the Islands” a real beauty pageant? A reality show? A movie? For now, the mystery appears to be part of the attraction. The intrigue is only heightened by the announced P25 million grand prize and the long list of sponsors backing the competition. Whatever “Queen of the Islands” turns out to be, one thing is already certain: people are watching and waiting to find out who will ultimately be crowned.
Source: mb.com.ph
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Bruno Mars to bring ‘The Romantic Tour’ to Bulacan in 2027
August 31 ------ Bruno Mars is returning to the Philippines next year as he brings his “The Romantic Tour” to the Philippine Arena in Bulacan for two nights in May 2027.
Mars is scheduled to perform on May 15 and 16 with his longtime collaborator Anderson Paak. The upcoming shows mark Mars’ fifth time performing in the Philippines.
The Philippine shows are part of “The Romantic Tour,” Mars’ first full headline tour in nearly a decade and his first full stadium tour. The tour supports his fourth studio album, “The Romantic,” which was released in February and features songs including “Risk It All,” “I Just Might,” “On My Soul,” “Cha Cha Cha” and “God Was Showing Off.”
Mars’ current tour setlist combines songs from “The Romantic” with some of his biggest hits, including “24K Magic,” “Treasure,” “That’s What I Like,” “Marry You,” “Die with a Smile,” “When I Was Your Man,” “Locked Out of Heaven,” “Just the Way You Are” and “Uptown Funk.”
The Filipino-American singer first visited the country in April 2011 for shows in Manila and Cebu as part of his early touring career. He returned in March 2014 for the “Moonshine Jungle World Tour,” performing at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Mars came back in May 2018 for two sold-out shows at the Mall of Asia Arena as part of his “24K Magic World Tour.” The second Manila date was added after tickets for the first show sold out in less than an hour. His most recent Philippine concerts were held at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan on June 24 and 25, 2023. The shows marked his return to the country after five years.
Mars’ connection to the Philippines runs through his late mother, Bernadette San Pedro Bayot, who was born in Manila and moved with her family to Hawaii in 1968. She was a singer and hula dancer who, together with Mars’ Puerto Rican father, Peter Hernandez, helped foster his musical upbringing.
Source: inquirer.net
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SPORTS NEWS
Gilas Women punch ticket to Fiba 3×3 U23 World Cup
MANILA, Philippines, August 31 ------ The Gilas Pilipinas Women will be flying to Wuhan, China, next month after successfully punching a ticket to the Fiba 3×3 U23 World Cup.
Last Sunday at Hextar World in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, the Philippines defeated Chinese Taipei, 17-15, in the Stop 6 final of the Fiba 3×3 Nations League-Asia SEA Conference. The U23 squad could have bolstered its chances in Stop 5 but fell to New Zealand, 16-11, 24 hours earlier.
Fortunately for the Gilas Women, the win over Chinese Taipei the next day effectively secured them a slot in the Wuhan games. In the end, the Philippines finished with 510 points to book its berth in the World Cup. Far Eastern University’s Amyah Espano and Victoria Pasilang, State U’s Kennan Ka and Marielle Vingno, and Adamson’s Jam Meniano bannered the Philippines in the U23 competition. Meanwhile, the Gilas U23 3×3 squad settled for second place in the same tournament. After beating Vietnam and Chinese Taipei earlier in the day, the U23 boys fell to New Zealand in the final, 21-18.8.
Source: inquirer.net
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Marcial puts WBC middleweight international title on line vs. Huerta
MANILA, August 31 ------ Undefeated Filipino boxer Eumir Marcial will face San Diego’s Omar Ulises Huerta on September 19 at Pechanga Arena in California, in what his camp considers the biggest fight of his professional career.
Marcial and Huerta will meet in a 10-round middleweight bout on the undercard of the Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz-Nestor Bravo WBC super lightweight title fight, with the Filipino Olympian set to make his first appearance on United States television. For Marcial, the bout offers an opportunity to introduce himself to a wider audience while potentially positioning himself for bigger fights down the road. “I am going for 8-0 on September 19, and I will make everyone know who I am inside the ring,” Marcial said. “This is the fight that I have been longing for, a fight that will lead me toward the promised land by next year.”
International matchmaker Sean Gibbons said Marcial’s WBC middleweight international title will be at stake, with another vacant regional belt also potentially on the line. “This is going to be the most important fight of his professional career,” Gibbons said. “He has never been seen on U.S. television before. Everybody will be watching him closely, so he has to look good. It is going to be a big moment.”
The card, promoted by Premier Boxing Champions, will air on DAZN and TNT. Marcial enters the bout with a 7-0 record, including four knockouts. His most recent professional fight came nearly 10 months ago, when he earned a majority decision over Venezuela’s Eddy Colmenares at the Araneta Coliseum.
The 30-year-old also represented the Philippines at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok last December, where he won the country's lone boxing gold medal. Huerta, a San Diego native, owns a 15-1-1 record with 13 knockouts and represents a significant step up in opposition for Marcial. “This fight is going to be a war,” Gibbons said. “Both fighters have knockout power.”
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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PH eyes bigger gold medal haul at 2026 Asian Games
August 31 ------ The Philippines is setting its sights on a bigger medal haul at the 2026 Asian Games, with Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham Tolentino hoping the country can surpass the four gold medals it won in the previous edition.
The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games are scheduled for September 19 to October 4 in Japan. “Kailangan malampasan naman natin ’yung four [golds] kahit may obstacle ba or what... May paghuhugutan ’yan. Whether team [or] individual [sports]. Hopefully, lumampas talaga ng apat,” Tolentino said during a press briefing at the Century Park Hotel in Manila.
Gilas Pilipinas is among the Philippine teams looking to defend its gold medal, but the national men’s basketball team will face challenges due to a depleted lineup. “Hindi pinayagan si Dwight [Ramos]. ’Yung mga Japan, Korea players natin, hindi pinayagan ng mga ’yan kasi sila ang kalaban. Tapos may kasabay pang FIBA,” Tolentino said.
Despite the absences, Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone has previously said the team is still eyeing a strong all-PBA lineup for its gold medal bid. With several medal hopefuls still in the mix, Tolentino pointed to pole vaulter EJ Obiena and the Yulo brothers as key athletes to watch. Tennis star Alex Eala could also be in the mix if she decides to compete.
At the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, the Philippines placed 17th overall with four gold, two silver, and 12 bronze medals.
Source: gmanetwork.com
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