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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May 18, 2024
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HEADLINES
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LNG dual-fuel vessels offer faster payback than methanol and ammonia, says SEA-LNG
Tariffs Open Up New Opportunities for Trade at Canada's Great Lakes Ports
Saudi grants 6-month amnesty grace period for undocumented OFWs
Meat imports rise 26% in 3 months
DOTr: Bulacan airport terminal starts construction in January 2026
OFWs to enjoy lower remittance fee as PH exits from FATF gray list
Blackouts hit Boracay, other Philippine tourist spots
SB19 begins a new chapter
Dennis Trillo-Jennylyn Mercado starrer to film in Europe, Middle East
Sofia Pablo set to graduate from senior high school this June
Gilas grouped with Australia, New Zealand, Guam in FIBA World Cup qualifiers
Kiefer Ravena, AJ Edu named to 'B.League United' pool
FULL NEWSPAPER
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Like Francis, Leo will be a socmed-savvy pope
VATICAN CITY, May 18 ------ The flock is assured: Pope Leo XIV will be active online and keep in touch with the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics via social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Leo inherits the official @Pontifex accounts on X used by his predecessors, Pope Francis and Pope Benedict XVI, according to a statement from the Vatican. But he also has a new Instagram account, @pontifex, which already has 4.4 million followers of this writing.
The Pope’s first post on Instagram on Tuesday was taken from his first Urbi et Orbi address after his election on May 8. It also included several photos from the first days of his pontificate. “Peace be with you all! This is the first greeting spoken by the Risen Christ, the Good Shepherd. I would like this greeting of peace to resound in your hearts, in your families, and among all people, wherever they may be, in every nation and throughout the world,” he said in his post, which drew more than 633,000 likes in less than 24 hours.
Active presence
“The Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has chosen to maintain an active social media presence through the official papal accounts on X and Instagram,” the Dicastery for Communication said in a statement Tuesday. Currently with 52 million followers, Leo’s @pontifex account on X will have posts in nine languages—English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French, German, Polish, Arabic and Latin. Prior to his election as pope, then Cardinal Robert Prevost was already a regular X user, using his @drprevost account since 2011. As of Wednesday, this account has attracted more than 540,000 followers.
Critical of Trump, Vance
Prevost never shied away from hot-button political issues online. His recent posts amplified criticisms of US President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, called out Vice President JD Vance over his views on Christian love, and advocated racial justice.
The papal presence on social media began on Dec. 12, 2012, when Pope Benedict XVI launched the account @Pontifex on Twitter, which was inherited a few months later by Pope Francis.
Source: inquirer.net
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May 18 ------ A Croatian town has come up with a novel solution to solve the dilemma of working parents when there are no public childcare spaces available: pay grandparents to do it. Samobor, near the capital Zagreb, has become the first in the country to run a "Grandmother-Grandfather Service", which pays 360 euros (around P22,000) a month per child.
The scheme allows grandparents to top up their pension, but the authorities also hope it will boost family ties and tackle social isolation as the population ages. "The benefits are multiple," Samobor's mayor, Petra Skrobot, told AFP. "Pensions are rather low and for parents it is sometimes difficult to find adequate care for children. "We wanted to give the parents the possibility to choose the type of care for their children."
In Croatia, most women use 12 months of maternity leave, though state-funded childcare is available from the age of six months until the child enrolls at primary school at age six. But there are not enough places in public kindergartens, which are run by the authorities at the local level, meaning several thousand children miss out every year. The problem is most acute in major cities, particularly Zagreb, and many working parents face a choice between paying for a private kindergarten or a nanny out of their own pocket or asking their own parents to help. The "Grandmother-Grandfather Service", based on a similar model in Sweden, is open to children aged four and under. Grandparents apply for the measure, which was introduced in late March, every month. Twenty-eight people have so far applied.
'DEEPENING BONDS'
Dubravka Koletic, 60, was one of them. She praised the move as "very positive for both grandparents and grandchildren". "We get some additional euros which is good since our pensions are low, and spend a lot of time with our grandchildren," she told AFP as she played with her 18-month-old grandson Viktor in a park.
In Croatia, the average pension amounts to about 550 euros a month. "Also, we are becoming even closer," Koletic added. Her daughter, Danijela Koletic, is also happy even though Viktor did not get a place in a public creche. "This is really great, it's easier to leave such a small child to someone you trust, while Viktor and his grandmother will further deepen their bonds," said the 41-year-old economist, who has two other children. Samobor, which is home to around 37,000 people, has two kindergartens with several smaller sites, providing care for more than 1,300 children. But last year, more than 100 children missed out, especially those aged 18 months or younger.
Josipa Milakovic, who runs the Grigor Vitez kindergarten, called the initiative "a helping hand for parents, providing help in care for the youngest ones in a family surrounding". Skrobot said counterparts from across the country had contacted her to express an interest in the scheme.
Union member Croatia, which has a population of 3.8 million people, is facing a demographic crisis, with low birth rates, an ageing population, and emigration. UN projections estimate that by the end of the century, the population will have fallen to just 2.5 million. Samobor, however, has bucked the trend and its population has increased, notably with young families seeking a more tranquil setting close to Zagreb.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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MARITIME NEWS
LNG dual-fuel vessels offer faster payback than methanol and ammonia, says SEA-LNG
May 18 ------ Investments in LNG dual-fuel vessels offer shipowners a shorter payback period than methanol, ammonia, or VLSFO, a new analysis from industry coalition SEA-LNG has found.
As disclosed, SEA-LNG completed its initial analysis of the IMO Net-Zero Framework following MEPC 83, using the independent Z-Joule cost of compliance calculator to assess the commercial implications of the new regulations. The coalition concluded that the LNG pathway offers the best returns. In addition to the shorter payback period, the LNG ships are reported to give shipowners a commercial advantage through fuel optionality and access to widespread established infrastructure.
It is understood that SEA-LNG examined the investment case for a 14,000 TEU container vessel operating a trans-Pacific route from Japan to the U.S. West Coast. It compared LNG, ammonia, and methanol dual-fuel vessels against a vessel fueled by VLSFO over a 15-year investment period.
The total cost of the different fuel pathways was driven by CapEx, the carbon intensity of the fuels, and the fuel price, the coalition revealed, adding that for both fuel price forecasts and carbon intensity values, it used assumptions from DNV’s analysis of the candidate mid-term measures discussed at MEPC 82. “Both high-pressure and low-pressure LNG dual fuel engines offer a relative payback period of between 4.5 and 5 years compared with VLSFO because of lower compliance costs due to LNG’s lower greenhouse gas fuel intensity (GFI). Methanol and ammonia fueled vessels do not pay back over the 15-year investment horizon,” SEA-LNG said.
The coalition also modeled the investment case for a 14,000 TEU containership operating on the Rotterdam-Singapore trade route using the same fuel price forecasts. In this case, the vessel is reportedly subject to both IMO and EU decarbonization regulations – the latter for 50% of the voyage. Here, the payback for LNG-fueled vessels was reduced to about 3.5 years, mainly due to the effect of FuelEU Maritime in the early years of the analysis period, SEA-LNG claimed.
As stated, the IMO Net-Zero Framework now requires further detailed analysis and feedback from the industry, as well as coordination with EU initiatives and the specific concerns of other member states, prior to formal ratification later in 2025. According to SEA-LNG, there are also details surrounding the IMO Net Zero Fund and the Zero and Near-Zero-Emission Fuels (ZNZ) Reward Mechanism that will not be addressed before 2027.
Steve Esau, Chief Operating Officer of SEA-LNG, noted: “While many details need to be decided, the IMO Net-zero Framework provides a clear basis for maritime decarbonisation and should, in principle, enable all fuel pathways – be they LNG, methanol or ammonia – to compete on a level playing field. For this to continue, it is imperative that the ZNZ Reward Mechanism is designed in a fuel agnostic and technology neutral way.”
Peter Keller, Chairman of SEA-LNG, concluded: “The industry continues to make major investments in the LNG pathway. These ships can use LNG, bio-methane and e-methane, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and cut local pollution today. The IMO position, as well as the EU regulations, both affirm the pathway is heading in the right direction and offers a practical and realistic route to compliance, starting right now.”
Source: offshore-energy.biz
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Pennsylvania Extends Incentive Program to Attract New Cargo to Its Ports
May 18 ------ Pennsylvania, located in the northeast United States, is extending a novel incentive program it operates rewarding carriers for each container they land in the state’s ports. According to state officials, the decade-old program supports tens of thousands of jobs and spurs economic growth.
The program began in 2015 and state officials report is a tool to compete with other East Coast ports in attracting new ocean carriers and new trade lanes to Pennsylvania. Due to end in June 2025, the state has decided to extend the program for two years, incentivizing shippers to move cargo through Pennsylvania ports. “Pennsylvania’s ports are critical to our transportation network and to our economy, and growth at the ports means growth in the Commonwealth,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll.
The program provides up to $1 million annually to participating ocean carriers. Since it was established in 2015, participants have sent over 3 million units of cargo through Pennsylvania ports, resulting in over $7 million in incentive funds awarded to nine ocean carriers.
The incentive is available for new service at a Pennsylvania port as well as for existing carriers. New carriers enrolled in the program receive $25 per new container unit loaded or discharged from vessels to a Pennsylvania port. Existing participants qualify for the incentive payment by exceeding established benchmarks, which the officials said helps retain business with an opportunity for rewarding growth.
The program also includes incentives for ocean carriers adding a new service line from Southeast or Far East Asia. Carriers would, for two fiscal years, earn $25 per container unit loaded or discharged if the container is coming from the Southeast and Far East Asia. Instead of the usual incentive cap of $250,000 per fiscal year for standard carriers, Asian carriers qualify for an increased cap of $500,000 per fiscal year.
The incentives aim to bolster the appeal of Pennsylvania ports in the global supply chain. Officials report that in 2024, PhilaPort, which owns terminals in the Port of Philadelphia and along the Delaware River, handled over 840,000 containers, while PSA Penn Terminals handled 357,000 containers. PhilaPort last year released an ambitious plan to revitalize the Philadelphia port as part of a program to grow cargo operations, and which will see the first cruise ship in decades to be homeported in Philadelphia starting in 2026.
Source: maritime-executive.com
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Tariffs Open Up New Opportunities for Trade at Canada's Great Lakes Ports
May 18 ------ Prior to both the pandemic lockdown and the more recent trade tariffs, there was potential to expand direct container ship transportation between European ports and American Great Lakes ports. While tariffs on European trade threaten to reduce the volume of European imports arriving at American Great Lakes ports, there is potential for the ships to include carrying trade between Europe and Upper Great Lakes Canadian ports.
Introduction
The construction and opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway during the late 1950s offered the promise of international trade arriving at and departing from ports located around the Great Lakes. Following the annual agricultural harvest season, bulk carrier ships carried American and Canadian farm produce to overseas markets. Ships that sailed to and from overseas ports and that carried general cargo, did call at several ports around the Great Lakes. As containers replaced crates and pallets carried aboard general cargo ships in trans-ocean sailing, container traffic to and from Great Lakes ports remained at minimal levels.
Beginning in 2014, the Port of Cleveland successfully negotiated with a European carrier to provide regularly scheduled container transportation between European ports and Cleveland. That initiative resulted in the Port of Monroe, MI, and Port of Duluth, MN, developing plans to connect to European–American container trade and expanding on the service offered at Port of Cleveland. However, trade tariffs recently imposed by President Trump that reduce the volume of trade between Europe and America also provide an opportunity to develop container transportation between Europe and Canadian ports on the Upper Great Lakes.
Canadian Ports
Several Canadian ports located along the St. Lawrence Seaway and around the Great Lakes are also located within close proximity to an international bridge crossing where customs inspection offices operate. A substantial volume of international container trade arrives by rail in the region of Canada bordered by Lakes Ontario, Erie, and Huron, with a population of over 5 million. There is potential for Canadian port management at the Port of Sarnia, Port of Windsor, Port Colborne and Port of Johnstown to develop container trade that involves ships equipped with onboard cranes to transfer containers on to trucks waiting at dockside.
The laden trucks would then proceed to a nearby Canada Customs Inspection Station to enter the customs arrival area in the same manner as trucks arriving from the USA.
Combining Trade
Container ships sailing from overseas to any of the Port of Cleveland, Port of Monroe, or Port of Duluth will sail through the Welland Canal and pass within the width of two ships of the quaysides at Port Colborne. To assure viable sailing, the ship would need to carry a combined load of containers destined for both Port Colborne and any of the Ports of Cleveland, Monroe or Duluth. While Port Colborne does not presently transfer containers, there is a need for new development and general improvement of the surrounding area to assure future container transfer at that port.
Container ships sailing to Port of Duluth would pass by both the Port of Windsor and Port of Sarnia, where future container transfer from ship to truck would be possible involving ships equipped with onboard cranes. While the dock at Sarnia is within close proximity to the Canadian Customs Inspection area, there will be need to modify the road network at the customs area for trucks carrying containers from the dock would be directed to the arrival side of the customs area. Both Windsor and Port Colborne would need to address road access from port to Canadian customs offices.
Economics
To achieve future feasibility, ships would need to carry containers from Europe to both American and Canadian Great Lakes ports. Such operation would offset potential losses caused by American tariffs decreasing European trade entering America. Canadian authorities appear willing to expand trade between Canada and Europe, as well as other nations as American tariffs begin to impact international trade. The transfer of containers from ship to road transport at any of Port Colborne, Port of Windsor and Port of Sarnia reduces the over-capacity problem at rail – truck container transfer terminals located near Toronto.
While ships of up to 16,000 TEU sail into Port of Newark, ships that carry up to 4,000 TEU sail into the Port of Montreal and at slightly higher transportation cost per container on the trans-Atlantic voyage. Container ships of over 700 TEU that sail between Europe and the Great Lakes offer sufficiently competitive per container transportation rates upon arrival at Great Lakes ports, to warrant direct trans-Atlantic sailing of such small ships between Europe and the Great Lakes. The competitive rates arriving at the Port of Duluth extend to overland destinations beyond the port, in the USA and Canada.
Conclusions
American trade tariffs on European imports have the potential to undermine viable container ship operations between European and American Great Lakes ports. Such a prospect will require that in order to assure feasible ship operation, that container ships carry European trade to both American and Canadian ports located around the Upper Great Lakes. Canadian ports at Windsor, Sarnia and Port Colborne are located near long established Canadian Customs inspection offices. Container ships arriving at those Canadian ports will require onboard cranes to transfer containers to trucks that will then proceed to Canadian Customs Inspection offices.
The administration of the Port of Cleveland needs to be commended for having undertaken the initiative to develop regularly scheduled container ship operations between Europe and Cleveland. That initiative has provided opportunity for Port of Monroe and Port of Duluth to develop future container ship service. The American initiative has provided a basis to develop container ship service to Canadian Great Lakes ports as well, and the administrators of those ports now need to step up to the plate and develop container transfer operations.
Source: maritime-executive.com
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PHILIPPINE NEWS
Philippine GDP grows 5.4 percent in first quarter of 2025
MANILA, May 18 ------ The Philippine economy grew 5.4 percent in the first three months of the year, the Philippine Statistics Authority said. This was faster than the 5.3 percent GDP growth seen in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Economic managers expect the Philippine economy growing at least 6 percent in 2025. However, some economists have said that the trade war set off by the United States has heightened uncertainty in the global economy which may impact the Philippines. PSA Undersecretary and National Statistician Dennis Mapa said gross domestic product grew 1.2 percent on a quarter-on-quarter basis in the first three months of 2025. "Manufacturing; Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles; and Construction were the top contributors to the quarter-on-quarter growth," the PSA said. This was followed by Agriculture, forestry, and fishing; and Services, which grew quarter-on-quarter by 1.8 percent and 0.8 percent, respectively, the PSA said.
Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon of the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) said the first quarter print "shows signs of steady growth." "This is actually faster than the growth that we saw during the fourth quarter of 2024, which is at 5.3 percent, although slower than the 5.9 percent that we saw during the same period last year. So while this pace falls short of our initial expectations, it reflects developments from the broader global context of temperate economic activity amid persistent uncertainties," Edillon said.
She noted that the Philippines ranks second among its Asian peers that have already released their first quarter figures: Vietnam grew 6.9 percent, China 5.4 percent, Indonesia grew 4.9 percent, Malaysia grew 4.4 percent, while Thailand is forecasted to grow 2.8 percent. "And this performance underscores the relative resilience of our economy in the face of global volatility," Edillon said.
The government also needs to strengthen trade ties with other blocs, she said. "Amid the global realignment of trade and investments, the government must accelerate its efforts to expand trade partnerships with key economies such as the European Union, United Arab Emirates, United States and other potential markets." She said the country needs to grow 6.2 percent for the rest of the year to meet the lower-end 6 percent growth target set by economic managers. Edillon said the first quarter GDP print is “not quite a disappointment” given the global economic uncertainty. “But there are things that also provide us optimism, for instance the investments in durable equipment, which also makes up a huge bulk of the imports, are really on capital equipment,” she noted.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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Saudi grants 6-month amnesty grace period for undocumented OFWs
MANILA, May 18 ------ The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has announced that the Saudi government has granted a six-month grace period for undocumented overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), particularly runaway domestic workers, to regularize their status.
In a press briefing on Wednesday, DMW Undersecretary for Middle East and African Affairs Jainal Rasul Jr. said the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) announced the correction period for illegal domestic workers in Saudi Arabia. “Ito yung mga runaway workers, those declared as absent or ‘huroob’. So binibigyan sila ngayon ng another six months ng Saudi government to regularize their stay. Ibig sabihin maghanap sila ng panibagong amo na pwede silang bigyan ng ‘iqama’,” he said. "Huroob" refers to workers who stay away from work without permission or those who refuse to work, or run away from their sponsor.
In Saudi Arabia, a worker reported as "huroob" becomes illegal and loses his legal rights, salary dues, and service benefits, among others. “Ito yung magandang development kasi para maiwasan yung mga patago tago lang na mga kababayan natin sa Saudi Arabia. This grace period will last for six months, meaning, effective May 11 up to November 10,” Rasul said. Rasul led a Philippine labor mission to Saudi Arabia from May 1 to 10 for consultations with officials of the MHRSD and Philippine government posts across Riyadh, Buraidah, Al-Khobar, and Jeddah. He said this initiative by the Saudi government would give undocumented Filipino workers a legal pathway to correct their status and avoid hiding.
During the six-month grace period, workers can secure a new sponsor without paying immigration fines, which typically range from SAR600, or approximately PHP9,000, or more, depending on the length of overstay. Contrary to previous years, Rasul said they have observed a significant drop in the number of “runaways” seeking assistance this 2025. He said that in Riyadh, there are only around 100 female and 45 male runaways.
The number is a bit higher in Jeddah, but adding that most are already being processed for repatriation. In Al-Khobar, he said that there are only about 50 cases, with the majority already having exit visas. Meanwhile, Rasul warned undocumented Filipinos, especially those working in sectors like salons and beauty shops, to remain cautious amid increased immigration patrols, particularly in Jeddah. He said that authorities have reportedly stepped up inspections targeting the LGBTQ+ or the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and more.
The DMW reiterates its calls for respect of local customs and laws.
Source: pna.gov.ph
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Maritime council says China disinformation still rampant
MANILA, Philippines, May 18 ------ China continues to resort to disinformation – aside from engaging in hostile acts – to promote its illegal claim in the West Philippine Sea, according to the National Maritime Council (NMC). At a press conference, the NMC reported that 180 cases of “disinformation and propaganda” by Chinese state-owned and state-influenced media cascaded into its social media platforms from January to March this year.
Aside from disinformation and propaganda, the Chinese also employ “illegal interference, coercion, aggression and deception,” including radio challenges, use of horns or sirens, dangerous maneuvers and shadowing of Philippine vessels, particularly around Ayungin Shoal. Asked if the suspected troll farm handled by a firm in Makati City and allegedly tapped by the Chinese embassy was behind the cases of disinformation, National Security Council assistant director general Jonathan Malaya said the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is verifying the information. “Amid the evolving maritime security challenges, the Philippines stands firm in defending our sovereignty and promoting peace, stability and freedom of navigation in the West Philippine Sea,” NMC spokesman Alexander Lopez said.
Source: philstar.com
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Meat imports rise 26% in 3 months
MANILA, Philippines, May 18 ------ The country’s meat imports from January to March rose by more than a quarter on an annual basis to over 340,000 metric tons (MT), driven by higher purchases abroad of key items led by pork, latest government data showed.
Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) data indicated that meat imports in the first three months reached 344,594 MT, nearly 26 percent higher than the 273,640 MT recorded in the same period last year. Pork remained as the most imported meat product during the three-month period with an estimated volume of 183,188 MT, according to BAI. Pork imports expanded by 42.55 percent year-on-year from 128,510 MT recorded in the first quarter of last year. Industry traders and importers earlier noted that the country would remain reliant on foreign supplies to meet the country’s pork demand as domestic pork output is still insufficient.
BAI data also showed that chicken meat imports expanded by almost 15 percent to 111,361 MT from 97,031 MT. Meanwhile, beef imports rose by 24.24 percent to 43,881 MT from 35,319 MT. The country’s lamb imports also rose by 26 percent on an annual basis to 154 MT from 122 MT. Imports of buffalo meat, turkey meat and duck meat declined during the quarter. Buffalo meat imports fell by half to 5,935 MT from 12,315 MT while duck imports declined by 44.44 percent to 18 MT from 33 MMT. BAI data also showed that the country’s turkey meat imports plunged by 82 percent to 54 MT from 307 MT.
Brazil remained as the country’s top meat supplier with a total volume of almost 150,000 MT in the first quarter. The South American was the country’s top import source for beef, chicken meat and pork products, according to the BAI. The US was the second largest meat import source in the first quarter at 45,386 MT, followed by Spain at 40,204 MT.
Source: philstar.com
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PH commits more forces for UN peacekeeping missions
MANILA, May 18 ------ Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has expressed the Philippines' commitment to deploy more Filipino troops in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions worldwide. He made this commitment during the Pledging Session I-Training and Capacity Building, Partnership, Cross-Cutting Issues of the 2025 UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin, Germany, on Wednesday (local time). "As a trusted partner, innovative pathfinder, and committed peacemaker, the Philippines supports all efforts to revitalize and further strengthen peacekeeping missions. We are prepared to expand our participation and help shape the future of peacekeeping," Teodoro said.
The DND chief added that peacekeeping is one of the clearest symbols of the UN's promise to protect people and preserve peace. "We honor the more than 70,000 UN peacekeepers—women and men—who serve under challenging conditions worldwide," Teodoro said. He also committed to increasing the number of Filipino peacekeepers deployed globally in the years to come. "In this regard, we are honored to announce our new pledges: the deployment of one light infantry battalion and one formed police unit under the UN Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System. The Philippines will also continue to deploy military observers and individual police officers and to support staff offices of United Nations missions worldwide," he added.
Teodoro said these contributions build upon the Philippines' existing pledges, which include a quick reaction force company and a military construction engineering company. "On new peacekeeping models, there must be a clear outcome when we engage in a peacekeeping mission, and that political outcome must be based on and in line with the United Nations Charter," he added. Teodoro also reiterated that the Philippines will continue to deploy military and police personnel in any area while taking into consideration their effectiveness in fulfilling the mandate of their deployment.
While doing so, the DND chief stressed that all Filipino personnel continue to uphold the highest standards of conduct and professionalism in fulfilling their mandates. "Finally, we are honored to announce that the Philippines will host the 2025 ASEAN Peacekeeping Staff Exercise this September, underscoring our dedication to fostering regional cooperation and strengthening partnerships between the United Nations and regional and regional, and subregional organizations," Teodoro said.
Aside from this, the DND chief said the country reaffirmed its commitment to support the UN's capacity-building initiatives. "To this end, we pledge to host the United Nations Triangular Partnership Programme Training Courses in the ASEAN region in the Calendar Year 2029 to 2030. We also pledge to provide certified military mobile training teams to enhance peacekeeper preparedness in addressing both emerging and persistent challenges," he added.
Teodoro also said the Philippines strongly supports the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women in peacekeeping. "We are proud to meet the Secretary-General's 2025 targets under the Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy, and as part of our continued commitment, we pledge to increase the deployment of women peacekeepers across all roles," he added.
Source: pna.gov.ph
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DOTr: Bulacan airport terminal starts construction in January 2026
MANILA, Philippines, May 18 ------ The passenger terminal building (PTB) of the Bulacan airport will begin construction in January next year, putting the project on track for completion by late 2028, according to the Department of Transportation.
DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon told The STAR that San Miguel Aerocity Inc. (SMAI) has committed to start the construction of the New Manila International Airport (NMIA)’s PTB by January 2026. If SMAI manages to stay within this timeline, Dizon said the first phase of the airport should be completed and operational by November 2028. “Completion of Phase 1, which will enable the airport to accommodate 35 million passengers per annum, remains to be November 2028, and operations will start right after that. DOTr is closely monitoring the implementation of NMIA PPP (public-private partnership),” Dizon said.
SMAI is currently developing the land where the airport and its facilities will be built. SMAI, a subsidiary of San Miguel Holdings Corp. under San Miguel Corp. (SMC), manages the 50-year concession for the build-operate-transfer of NMIA. However, SMC chairman and CEO Ramon Ang said SMAI has faced problems acquiring sand for land development as a result of a presidential order in 2023 to stop all reclamation projects in Manila Bay.
Ang said the issue would force SMAI to spend hundreds of millions of dollars more to construct NMIA on top of the original cost of P735.63 billion. Apart from this, the shortage in fill sand delayed the completion of NMIA’s first phase by a year, from 2027 as originally planned.
The NMIA, located in Bulakan, Bulacan, is set to become the biggest airport in the Philippines. The first phase of the project can facilitate more than 35 million passengers a year and is projected to generate over one million jobs. Ultimately, NMIA will feature four parallel runways, supported by airside and landside facilities. In its finality, the airport should be able to handle up to 100 million passengers per annum, as it is expected to decongest air traffic at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Aside from building NMIA, SMC leads the New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC), which is in charge of the P170.6-billion project to rehabilitate NAIA.
The NNIC is tasked to increase NAIA’s passenger capacity to 62 million per annum and aircraft movement to 48 an hour to prepare the country’s main gateway for future demand. SMC Infrastructure unit Trans Aire Development Holdings Corp. also operates the Godofredo P. Ramos Airport, also known as the Caticlan Airport, which serves as the gateway to Boracay. As such, Dizon underscored how important it is for the DOTr to closely coordinate with SMC on the airports it is developing and operating. He is also confident that SMC would comply with its timelines for NMIA, NAIA and Caticlan Airport. “I will be discussing Bulacan airport with SMC. I will also be discussing a very important airport to me, which is Caticlan,” Dizon said.
In 2024, infrastructure builder Megawide Construction Corp. won the contract to design and build a new PTB in Caticlan Airport. Ang wants the new PTB in the airport finished in three years or less, citing the urgency for larger capacity to welcome more tourists in Boracay. With three airport developments on hand, Ang last year said SMC would focus first on delivering its current pipeline before thinking about bidding for a new one.
Source: philstar.com
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OFWs to enjoy lower remittance fee as PH exits from FATF gray list
MANILA, May 18 ------ Sending money home is about to become easier and more affordable for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), following the Philippines’ removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) gray list, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). “It’s a good news for our OFWs and their families as the removal of the Philippines from the FATF grey list means lower remittance fees for our modern-day heroes, and more secure financial transactions through the whole-of-government efforts led by President Marcos Jr.,” Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said in a news release.
Cacdac said this development, driven by reforms achieved under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., would also mean fewer documentary requirements for OFWs when transferring money to their families in the Philippines. He added this would also allow easier access to international financial transactions and global financing for OFWs, offering stronger protection against money laundering and terrorism financing with a stable and trustworthy financial system, especially for those venturing into business.
Cacdac said the Philippines' exit from the gray list is definitely a “big win” for the OFWs, as lower remittance costs mean more of their hard-earned money reaches their families, without the burden of high fees or complicated processes. The FATF gray list includes countries under increased monitoring for risks related to money laundering and terrorism financing.
The Philippines was listed by the FATF in 2021 due to 18 deficiencies as identified by the international watchdog, including money laundering in casinos and lack of prosecution for terrorism funding cases. President Marcos responded by ordering a whole-of-government effort to address the concerns, culminating in Executive Order No. 33 and a comprehensive anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing strategy.
Beyond easing the financial burden on OFWs, the improved standing is expected to attract more foreign investment, stabilize the banking system, and open broader access to global financing for Filipino businesses. “With a more trustworthy financial system, we are laying the groundwork for a stronger and more inclusive economy under Bagong Pilipinas,” the DMW said.
Source: pna.gov.ph
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Blackouts hit Boracay, other Philippine tourist spots
MANILA, Philippines, May 18 ------ Amid extreme summer heat, Filipinos have expressed their frustration online over power outages in popular tourist destinations like Boracay and Siargao. Last week, Boracay residents and tourists flooded the social media account of Aklan Electric Cooperative Inc. (AKELCO) following a power interruption that lasted for at least 18 hours.
The tripping of the 69-kiloVolt Nabas-Unidos-Caticlan line caused the power outage on May 4 at 9:48 p.m., which affected parts of Aklan including Boracay island, according to the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP). “I’ll be losing sleep again fanning my kids when their rechargeable fan runs out of battery,” a netizen wrote. “Boracay has been experiencing brownouts almost every day,” another online user lamented.
The National Electrification Administration (NEA), which oversees electric cooperatives, said the NGCP traced the issue to a broken cut-off jumper wire on its transmission line in Nabas. “Repair work was promptly carried out to resolve the issue. As of May 5 at 3:57 p.m., power has been fully restored in Boracay, and AKELCO’s operations have returned to normal,” the NEA said in a statement to The STAR.
Since there are no power plants in Boracay, electricity is transmitted to the island via a submarine cable from the mainland, the Department of Energy (DOE) said. Boracay, recognized by Travel+Leisure magazine as one of the best white-sand beaches in the world, welcomed a little over two million tourists last year, the Malay Municipal Tourism Office said.
In Siargao, tourists and locals were not spared from power outages either, as they also found themselves in the dark last week. Siargao Electric Cooperative Inc. (SIARELCO) implemented a nearly one-hour power interruption on May 5 due to a tripping of a transmission line. A shorter outage followed on May 6, affecting the entire island. Last December, a 13-day blackout crippled Siargao following a major line fault in one of SIARELCO’s undersea cables, spurring calls for a state of calamity to be declared.
Besides Boracay and Siargao, Siquijor also continues to suffer from blackouts, with one social media user even dubbing it the “brownout capital of the Philippines.” Siquijor Island Power Corp. (SIPCOR) is the sole energy supplier of Province of Siquijor Electric Cooperative Inc. (PROSIELCO). “Generally, power interruptions in (Siquijor) have been attributed to SIPCOR, the power provider. The inadequate maintenance has led SIPCOR to replace the lube oil filters of its equipment to address operational issues,” NEA said.
Latest DOE data showed that PROSIELCO’s peak demand reached 9.3 megawatts as of April 21. Its contracted capacity from SIPCOR, however, only stood at 8.16 MW, indicating a power supply deficit. As such, the DOE has advised the power utility to conduct a competitive selection process to procure an additional supply.
Amid power woes in the country’s tourism hubs, energy consumer group ILAW Pilipinas emphasized that frequent outages and unreliable electric service could lead to financial losses and closure of businesses. For Siargao in particular, the group estimates business losses of as much as P100,000 per blackout incident. “Continued power instability threatens business sustainability, job security and the long-term growth of the tourism sector. If this persists, businesses will have no choice but to shut down, leaving many without jobs,” ILAW youth convenor Francine Pradez said.
ILAW officials have urged the DOE and the Energy Regulatory Commission to enforce stricter accountability measures on electric cooperatives serving key tourism hotspots. Similarly, they also called for investments in renewable energy, community microgrids and energy storage systems to reinforce power supply in those islands. “It’s time for our electric cooperatives to step up and ensure a reliable and efficient power supply, especially in key tourism areas where businesses and livelihoods depend on stable electricity,” ILAW national convenor Beng Garcia said.
Source: philstar.com
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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
SB19 begins a new chapter
May 18 ------ SB19 kicks off their Simula at Wakas World Tour with a two-day concert at the Philippine Arena on May 31 and June 1, 2025. The P-Pop groundbreakers known for their culturally rich and relatable compositions recently unveiled their EP "Simula at Wakas," featuring the songs "DAM," "Time," "8TonBall," "Quit," "Shooting for the Stars," "Dungka!," and "DAM (Extended Version)."
Following the success of their earlier releases, "Pagsibol" and "Pagtatag," which include their global hit "Gento," "Simula at Wakas," marks the conclusion of the trilogy while also introducing a new era for SB19. Previously, Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken and Justin collaborated with various partners, navigating through multiple opinions that had their benefits and drawbacks. This time, the group proudly shared that this EP is entirely under their company, 1Z Entertainment, allowing for greater creative freedom.
The members admitted that selecting a focus track for their EP was challenging, but "Time" and "DUNGKA!" eventually stood out. "Time" naturally resonates with a broad audience for its universal significance, reminding listeners to cherish every moment, as nothing is permanent. Meanwhile, "Dungka!" delivers a more personal message to the group's critics, addressing those who may not support them, adding that it translates to "stay there," preventing detractors from affecting their craft.
Explaining the concept of their music videos, they intended for "Time" to deliver a straightforward and heartfelt production that matches the song's message of valuing every moment with their loved ones. In contrast, "Dungka!" showcases dynamic scenes filmed on the local streets, depicting everyday Filipino life. They stated, "We wanted to show how Filipinos are hospitable and how happy Filipinos are despite their struggles in life."
As SB19 continues to gain global recognition, the group stays rooted in their values. They noted that music allows them to document their experiences and growth comparable to journaling and hope listeners connect with their work. Consequently, they urged their fans to take the initiative to grow and create an impact on the world, adding, "Since we are the extension of our songs, I hope our songs resonate with them." In particular, the group produced hits such as "Mapa," "Nyebe," and "Time," which left lasting impressions on its listeners with their meaningful messages. Despite their solo activities, SB19 remains united as a group, emphasizing that making music and staying together is ingrained in them, "I'm thankful for the years that we have shared together. I know that we will be sharing more years."
With renewed energy and confidence, they added, "Right now, I feel that everyone's energy is high to the point that I feel like we can conquer the world." Above all, the artists consider music the peak of their life, cherishing their journey together. When asked what advice they'd give their younger selves, Pablo encouraged embracing opportunities while time permits, as time is naturally fleeting. Josh added, "You should always unlearn to learn."
Ahead of their upcoming concert at the Philippine Arena, the group assured the fans of a wholly elevated experience from visuals to overall production. They also teased a specially curated set list following a compelling plot line at the concert. With their sold-out show, they expressed their excitement and appreciation to all their supporters, "We do it not just for us, but for those who are excited about these kinds of experiences." Apart from this, the artists also acknowledged the milestone of staging a two-day show, calling it "risky and fulfilling." Following the kick-off of the "Simula at Wakas" world tour in the Philippines, SB19 will head to other Asian countries, followed by stops in North America and more international shows.
Source: manilatimes.net
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Dennis Trillo-Jennylyn Mercado starrer to film in Europe, Middle East
May 18 ------ For their first TV series as a married couple, Dennis Trillo and Jennylyn Mercado will film outside the Philippines, the Kapuso actor revealed this at a recent event. “Next month, we will be going to Milan and Zurich, and then in Dubai to tape some scenes,” Trillo said at the “Great Health Fest 2025” event in Pasay City on May 13.
More than a decade of waiting to pair up anew with Mercado was worth the wait for Trillo, not only because they will get to visit Italy, Switzerland, and the United Arab Emirates, but also because he will also get to finally experience the dynamics of working with his wife for TV. He also excitedly talked about sharing the studio with Mercado in a photoshoot for the new series’ promotional campaign. “I was wiith my wife, Jennylyn Mercado, there. It’s our first TV series together, after more than 10 years,” Trillo said.
The Kapuso primetime actor said he has been enjoying a wellspring of blessings this year, that he cannot allow himself to be under the weather. “I should always be in good health, that is why it’s good to have family, and a wife, who provides support in all our needs,” Trillo said.
However, he also admitted that he cannot avoid getting headaches and some body pains, especially when he’s stressed out with work, or has been lacking sleep. Trillo said he gets by with a dose of paracetaamol with a kick of caffeine, that gets him up and ready again for work in just 30 minutes. “There is an extra jolt of energy so I can fulfill my responsibilities,” he said.
Source: inquirer.net
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Sofia Pablo set to graduate from senior high school this June
May 18 ------ Sofia Pablo is set to graduate from senior high school this June! According to Aubrey Carampel's report in "24 Oras," the Sparkle star is currently working on the revisions of their thesis after their successful defense in early May. "Syempre po masarap sa feeling kasi grabe po 'yung binigay kong effort," she said. Per Sofia, she had to make a lot of sacrifices to get to this point. "Ang sarap po sa feeling na after two super hard years in senior high, nairaos ko and I'm graduating," she said.
Early this month, Sofia shared snaps from her successful thesis defense with her group mates. Their thesis, titled "Consumer Behavior Towards Online Shopping Fraudulent Incidents in Quezon City," is a requirement for their Accountancy, Business and Management (ABM) Strand at UST Angelicum College.
Sofia balances her studies with work as she currently stars in "Prinsesa ng City Jail." Recently, the show has seen some pretty intense cat fight scenes between Sofia's and Lauren King's characters, Princess and Libby. "Ang [sinasabi] lang namin lagi sa isa't isa is do whatever you want, walang personalan kasi in reality, you won't know naman kung anong gagawin ng kaaway mo," said Sofia.
Source: gmanetwork.com
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SPORTS NEWS
Gilas grouped with Australia, New Zealand, Guam in FIBA World Cup qualifiers
MANILA, Philippines, May 18 ------ Gilas Pilipinas has been drawn in a tough group in the Asian Qualifiers for the FIBA World Cup 2027. The Philippines, currently ranked 34th in the world, will battle it out with the World No. 7 Australia, World No. 22 New Zealand and World No. 88 Guam in Group A after draw in Doha, Qatar.
Through the four groups, this is the toughest on paper. But it is not impossible for Gilas. Last year, the Philippines actually defeated New Zealand, 93-89, at home. But earlier this year, the Nationals absorbed an 87-70 defeat in the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers against the Tall Blacks. Australia and Gilas previously faced each other back in 2018, which ended in a bench-clearing brawl. Guam, meanwhile, has San Miguel Beermen guard Jericho Cruz as one of its mainstays.
According to FIBA, all 16 teams will go through a total of six windows of qualifiers from November 2025 to March 2027 in home-and-away fashion. In the first round, the top three teams from each group will advance to the second round. In the second round, those who will qualify will be placed into new groups, with the results of the prior round carried forward.
Each country will then take on teams that they have not yet faced. And at the end of the two rounds, the three best placed teams in each group, along with the best fourth placed team, will qualify to the World Cup. Group B is composed of Japan, China, Korea and Taipei. Group C, meanwhile, is composed of Iran, Jordan, Syria and Iraq. Group D has Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, India and Qatar.
Source: philstar.com
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Kiefer Ravena, AJ Edu named to 'B.League United' pool
MANILA, May 18 ------ Filipino players Kiefer Ravena and AJ Edu have been named to the player pool of B.League United, a newly-formed squad "made up of promising young players." The team was formed as part of the B.League's goal of "producing five NBA players by 2030."
The B.League United team is made up of "young players with an eye on future overseas challenges to gain more international experience, as well to improve their individual levels and the competitiveness of the whole league." Ravena of Yokohama BC and Edu of Nagasaki are two of 31 players included in the candidate pool.
The team will first see action on June 28 and 29 in the B.League Global Invitational, where they will play against a select team from Australia's National Basketball League at the Open House Arena Ota in Ota City, Gunma. After the Global Invitational, the B.League promised to create more opportunities for players of B.League United "to compete on the international stage."
Ravena has played in the B.League since 2021, joining the Shiga Lakes after a stint with the NLEX Road Warriors in the PBA. He joined Yokohama in June 2024. Edu, a standout for Gilas Pilipinas, joined the B.League in 2023 when he signed with the Toyama Grouses. He signed with Nagasaki in July 2024.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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Luka Doncic’s No. 77 Lakers jersey is NBA’s best-seller
May 18 ------ Luka Doncic’s trade from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers shook the basketball world, and apparently motivated the fans, too. Doncic’s No. 77 Lakers jersey was the top seller for the 2024-2025 regular season according to NBAStore.com sales, the NBA announced.
A native of Slovenia, Doncic became the first international player to have the most popular jersey in the NBA. He is also the first person other than Steph Curry or LeBron James to top the list for more than a decade. The last time Curry or James didn’t have the best-selling jersey was when Carmelo Anthony’s No. 1 New York Knicks jersey was the most popular in the 2012-2013 season.
Curry and James haven’t gone far, though. Curry’s No. 30 Golden State Warriors jersey is second this season and James’ No. 23 Lakers jersey is third.
Here’s the top 10:
1. Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers
2. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
3. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
4. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
5. Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks
6. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
7. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
8. Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies
9. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
10. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
Source: rappler.com
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