{"id":1510,"date":"2026-05-25T15:12:01","date_gmt":"2026-05-25T07:12:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mbm.com.ph\/?p=1510"},"modified":"2026-05-25T15:12:01","modified_gmt":"2026-05-25T07:12:01","slug":"balitang-marino-daily-news-for-may-25-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mbm.com.ph\/index.php\/2026\/05\/25\/balitang-marino-daily-news-for-may-25-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"BALITANG MARINO DAILY NEWS for May 25, 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

HEADLINES<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oil slips to 2-week low as US-Iran talks continue, but no peace deal yet<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taiwan, China coast guards in standoff at top of South China Sea<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Iran’s Continued Control of Hormuz Intensifies Seafarer Misery<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vessel collision results in oil spill in Nigerian waters<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tanker Near Somalia Fires Warning Shots to Chase Off Suspicious Approach<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Malaysian dead, 23 missing in Angeles building collapse<\/p>\n\n\n\n

49 areas to record below-normal rain amid El Ni\u00f1o<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No Ebola case in Philippines \u2013 DOH<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Magnitude 5.5 quake jolts Surigao Sur<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PH thanks Dutch aid for Filipino crew on hantavirus-hit ship<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Australia reaffirms commitment to PH as bilateral ties reach 80 years<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ICC judges reject Duterte appeal bid on charges<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trough of LPA to dampen Mindanao, Palawan<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Joshua Garcia matures in showbiz, peace of mind is now his priority<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Cup of Joe holds stadium fest, they gain more self-confidence<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BINI to perform at Kaogma Festival in Camarines Sur<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PBA: Scottie Thompson catches fire, lifts Ginebra past Rain or Shine<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knicks beat Cavaliers to reach brink of NBA Finals<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Russell endures Mercedes drama to take pole, Sprint win in Canada<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Camaraderie among leaders<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FULL NEWSPAPER<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

INTERNATIONAL NEWS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oil slips to 2-week low as US-Iran talks continue, but no peace deal yet<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

SINGAPORE, May 25 —— Oil prices hit two-week lows on optimism that the US and Iran were moving closer towards a peace deal, even though they remained at odds over key issues, including blockades on the Strait of Hormuz that continued to restrict oil supply from the Middle East. Brent crude futures fell US$4.71, or 4.55 per cent, to US$98.83 a barrel by 10.34 pm GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate was at US$92.03 a barrel, down US$4.57, or 4.73 per cent. Both contracts touched their lowest since May 7 earlier in the session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On Saturday, US President Donald Trump said that Washington and Iran had “largely negotiated” a memorandum of understanding on a peace deal that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which, before the conflict, carried one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. However, the two sides remain at odds on several difficult issues, with Trump saying on Sunday he had told his representatives not to rush into any deal with Iran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MST Marquee analyst Saul Kavonic said: “Notwithstanding all the caveats and risks that remain to the peace deal and Strait of Hormuz, there is now some light at the end of the tunnel, which will bring some near-term oil price relief.” However, analysts expect that it will take months for oil flows through the strait to return to normal and for damaged oil and gas facilities to be repaired. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Source: channelnewsasia.com <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Taiwan, China coast guards in standoff at top of South China Sea<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

TAIPEI, May 25 —— The Taiwanese and Chinese coast guards were engaged in a tense standoff for the second day near the strategically located Pratas islands at the top of the South China Sea, Taiwan’s Coast Guard said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

China claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, a position the government in Taipei rejects. China has pressured Taiwan by increasing its military presence around the island over the past five years. Lying roughly between southern Taiwan and Hong Kong, the Taiwan-controlled Pratas are seen by some security experts as vulnerable to Chinese attack due to their distance – more than 400 km (250 miles) – from Taiwan island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taiwan’s Coast Guard said on Saturday it had spotted a Chinese Coast Guard ship heading to the Pratas and immediately sent its own ship, which broadcast warnings and the two sides “engaged in an intense verbal confrontation over sovereignty via radio.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Chinese ship broadcast that it was on a routine mission and that China had sovereignty and jurisdiction over the Pratas, the Taiwan Coast Guard said. \u201cPlease do not destroy peace. You should return and strive for democracy. That is the correct way to serve your country,\u201d the Taiwan ship broadcast back, according to video provided by its coast guard. China’s Taiwan Affairs Office did not respond to a request for comment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Taiwan Coast Guard official told Reuters the Chinese ship was 21 nautical miles to the northeast of the Pratas and the standoff was continuing as of Sunday afternoon. China’s wording on having jurisdiction and sovereignty was unusual, as was the length of its stay in the waters so close to the Pratas, the official added, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Pratas, an atoll which is also a Taiwanese national park, is only lightly defended by Taiwan, and its coast guard has that responsibility rather \u2060than the military. In January, Taiwan said a Chinese reconnaissance drone briefly flew over the Pratas, in what Taiwan’s defense ministry called a “provocative and irresponsible” move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Source: gmanetwork.com <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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MARITIME NEWS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Iran’s Continued Control of Hormuz Intensifies Seafarer Misery<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

May 25 —— Iran’s publication of a new map asserting its control over the Strait of Hormuz risks extending an already punishing ordeal for thousands of mariners trapped on ships in the Gulf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More than 20,000 sailors are stuck on around 2,000 vessels in the Gulf, many of them unable to leave ship, lacking adequate supplies of food and fresh water, and fearful of an uncertain future at sea in a war zone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sailors interviewed by Reuters in recent weeks have described the hardships and anxieties of their experience, and a federation representing them warns of dire conditions. “The only thing we do here is plan how to spend the night and pray to God that we do not get hit during an attack,” Indian sailor Salman Siddiqui said by phone from his stranded ship last month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ISOLATED LIVES<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Reuters travelled on a resupply boat to vessels moored off the Saudi coast this week, sailors on a tanker gathered by the handrail to wave, a rare moment of contact with the outside world. For nearly three months, the sailors trapped in the Gulf have led isolated lives, each with a small group of shipmates, moving between tiny living quarters, communal dining areas and scorching, sun-baked decks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tehran closed the strait, a global oil supply route, after U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran began on February 28. Thousands of ships were trapped in the Gulf and, with peace negotiations stalled, Iran is doubling down on the effective blockade. The Persian Gulf Strait Authority, a body Iran has set up to manage requests for passage, published a map on Wednesday reaffirming Tehran’s claims to a wide stretch of water either side of the choke point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ship owners seeking to extricate their vessels – and often precious cargoes – must navigate a labyrinthine system of payments and permissions set up by Iran, a Reuters report showed. “Seafarers’ vulnerability and exposure is more, let’s say, extreme because of the war,” said Mohamed Arrachedi, network coordinator for the Arab World and Iran at the International Transport Workers’ Federation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He described cases where there had been pay delays, refusals to help repatriate sailors, a lack of provisions and the fear of missiles and drone strikes. Some seafarers called him in tears, he said. The ITF has been contacted by more than 2,000 sailors in the Gulf seeking help or advice to resolve disputes ranging from abandonment and pay delays to lack of supplies since the war began, he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

STUCK AT SEA<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the Saudi port of Dammam, about seven large ships were visible moored out at sea – an unusually large number in normal times. As the resupply ship bobbed alongside the tanker in a stiff wind, the sailors aboard called out across the water while they winched aboard large sacks of medical goods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mohit Kohli, the captain of a large cargo vessel caught in the Gulf when the war began after sailing from Singapore, said that when he first heard the Strait could be closed he “could not even fathom that this was remotely possible”. His German-owned ship managed to secure a safe anchor off Dammam, but just over a week into the war the crew started to see and hear the missiles and drones Iran was directing at Gulf states. “The crew who was usually loud and happy were now silent. Meals got shorter. Conversations were more guarded,” he said, describing the atmosphere on board in a Reuters interview this month after his return to India. Kohli and his shipmates were on a ship whose owners helped bring in a relief crew, he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many sailors face far worse, Arrachedi said. In some of the cases he is dealing with, sailors have not been paid their meagre salaries of $100 to $200 a month since last year and shipowners are refusing to help them return home, or only doing so if they forfeit back pay, he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some sailors say they have only a single meal of rice or lentils each day, and have only brief moments of internet connection to contact loved ones or seek outside help, Arrachedi added. “They need a collective intervention because they are key for our economies, for the supply chains, but also because they are active seafarers and they are civilians,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gulf states are making some efforts to assist sailors by facilitating supplies and crew transfers. “Seafarers stuck on a vessel in uncertain waters, the most important thing in the world is knowing that there is a shore open to reach,” said Suliman Almazroua, president of the Saudi Ports Authority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The authority has helped hundreds of vessels resupply with food, fresh water, fuel and medicines, and has aided more than 500 sailors to transfer from their ships, Almazroua said, describing messages of thanks from sailors he has helped leave as the most rewarding part of his job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Source: marinelink.com<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Vessel collision results in oil spill in Nigerian waters<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

May 25 —— The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has confirmed an oil spill in the Bonny Channel area of Rivers State following a collision between two vessels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The incident occurred at about 11:30 a.m. on 20 May in the Bonny Inner Anchorage. The vessels involved were identified as the Singapore-flagged container ship MV Valparaiso and the Nigerian-flagged tanker MT Lady Martina. Following the collision, MT Lady Martina drifted ashore and is currently aground along the Bonny Channel, while MV Valparaiso remains grounded at the Bonny Inner Anchorage pending damage assessment and investigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NIMASA said its Deep Blue Forward Operating Base in Bonny received a distress alert and deployed 10 armed operatives on interceptor boat DB 214 to the scene. Five crew members aboard MT Lady Martina were injured and evacuated to receive medical treatment. An oil sheen was observed in the water following the collision, raising concerns about environmental impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dayo Mobereola, has ordered a full investigation into the cause of the collision and activated a Situation Monitoring Room to coordinate response efforts. The agency has also begun an environmental impact assessment and is working to contain the spill and limit further marine damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Source: safety4sea.com<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tanker Near Somalia Fires Warning Shots to Chase Off Suspicious Approach<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

May 25 —— A tanker sailing in the Gulf of Aden reported that its security team was forced to fire warning shots during a suspicious approach. It was the latest in the ongoing incidents in the region being linked to several active groups of Somali pirates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The company security officer for the unidentified tanker reported the incident to the UK Maritime Trade Operations. The tanker was underway when it was approached approximately 98 nautical miles from Socotra, an island controlled by Yemen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A small craft with five people aboard was detected approaching the tanker. The armed security team fired warning shots, which caused the small boat to change course. It was the third approach in the last week, according to data from the EU\u2019s Maritime Security Center for the Indian Ocean (MSCIO). On May 18, a skiff operating near Bosaso, Somalia, was reported to the EU\u2019s Operation Atalanta. It was believed to be a pirate group seeking a merchant ship target. Three days earlier, on May 15, a suspicious high-speed boat was reported to have stopped a fishing vessel. The people aboard the boat were carrying weapons resembling AK-47 rifles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Three vessels also remain under the control of pirate groups and are being held off the coast of Somalia. The tanker MT Honour 25 was seized on April 21, the general cargo ship Sward was seized on April 26, and the tanker Eureka was seized on May 2. The pirates are reported to be demanding $3 million for the release of the Eureka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UKMTO warns that the piracy threat level remains severe along the Somalia coast and in the Somalia Basin. MSCIO specifically cited the highest risk to the north near the Puntland region and in the Gulf of Aden. It also rates the risk as moderate along the Somali coast. Vessels have been warned to remain at least 150 nautical miles off the coast, or to avoid the region if possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Source: maritime-executive.com<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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PHILIPPINE NEWS      <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Malaysian dead, 23 missing in Angeles building collapse<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ANGELES CITY, Philippines, May 25 —— A Malaysian tourist was confirmed dead following the collapse of a nine-story building being constructed at a subdivision in Barangay Balibago, with 23 people still missing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the Malaysian tourist was trapped inside the apartelle next to the collapsed building. The Angeles City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (ACDRRMO) said at least 26 people had been rescued as of yesterday afternoon, including two people from the same apartelle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Angeles Mayor Carmelo Lazatin II said the city activated its unified command system to ensure coordination as national and neighboring local agencies rushed to the site to help in the rescue and clearing efforts. The system placed the BFP as lead agency in the rescue and retrieval efforts, the ACDRRMO for logistics and operational support, the Philippine National Police for security and crowd control and the City Information Office for disseminating official updates to the public. It was not clear why the building collapsed, but Lazatin said the construction procedures, including soil testing, would be looked into. He also wants to determine if substandard materials were used in the building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Department of Public Works and Highways sent heavy equipment and engineers to assist in the search and clearing works, with DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon saying that they are coordinating with the BFP. Dizon said two dump trucks, a backhoe, a boom truck and a crane were dispatched to help speed up rescue and clearing. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority dispatched its search and rescue team, with MMDA Chairman Don Artes saying the team is carrying appropriate equipment for rescue operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Manuel Lucban Jr., Bulacan provincial disaster risk reduction and management office chief, said the PDRRMO sent a team with thermal drones to assist rescuers in locating survivors beneath the rubble. According to Office of Civil Defense deputy spokesperson Diego Mariano, the people rescued earlier yesterday were \u201call stable and ambulatory.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Angeles\u2019 City Social Welfare and Development Office said it has already provided initial assistance, such as financial, food, medical and psychosocial support to 35 individuals. The CSWDO reported that the rescued and affected workers will be sent to their home provinces \u2014 nine in Bulacan, four in Angeles City, one in Pangasinan, one in Antique and one in Sorsogon. Dizon, who was among those who rushed to the site, said a DPWH technical team would assist in the investigation to determine the exact cause of collapse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lazatin said that as of noon yesterday, there were signs of life beneath the rubble, noting that voices could be heard. The mayor ordered an inventory of all people inside the collapsed building and ordered the project engineer to verify the number of personnel that went home for the weekend and those who stayed within the construction site. Central Luzon police director Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez deployed additional police officers at the site to secure the area, manage traffic and coordinate with other rescue agencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Source: philstar.com<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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49 areas to record below-normal rain amid El Ni\u00f1o<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

MANILA, Philippines, May 25 —— About 49 provinces may experience below-normal rainfall by October when meteorologists expect the emergence of a \u201cvery strong\u201d El Ni\u00f1o, according to Science Secretary Renato Solidum Jr.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most of the provinces affected will be in the Visayas and Mindanao, where rainfall may be only 41 to 80 percent of the average. By November, some areas in Northern Luzon may experience way-below-normal rainfall, receiving just 20 percent of the average. Solidum said farmers will be most affected by the likelihood of a \u201cvery strong\u201d El Ni\u00f1o phenomenon during the October-November period. \u201cWe cannot expect enough supply of water from rainfall, so if you\u2019ll plant during this time, you should reschedule your planting season or ensure first that irrigation is adequate in your areas,\u201d Solidum told radio dzRH on Saturday. \u201cWe must understand that water supply may be lacking in \u2018below-normal\u2019 areas and especially \u2018way-below-normal\u2019 ones.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration reported that there\u2019s a 92 percent chance that a \u201cweak\u201d El Ni\u00f1o will be formed during the June to August season. Come September to November, El Ni\u00f1o may become \u201cstrong,\u201d and there\u2019s a 30 percent chance that it intensifies further into \u201cvery strong\u201d in the October to November window. Solidum said average rainfall in June will remain normal, but 11 provinces will already experience below-normal rain come July.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rain will be frequent again from mid-August through September, before the below-normal and way-below-normal wave hits most provinces. Solidum said conditions will normalize again by November. The Department of Science and Technology chief warned that, besides farmers, fisherfolk may also feel the pinch of El Ni\u00f1o. \u201cWarmer waters prevent colder ones from rising, preventing fish from consuming nutrient-packed waters. So, in the food web, there\u2019s a bit of starvation that may lead to cuts in fish production,\u201d Solidum explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the public already asked to conserve electricity due to the energy crisis, they may also need to conserve water to prevent strain on dams. \u201cWe need to save water in our homes so that we can extend the supply in our dams. We must ensure, for instance, that those in car washes won\u2019t endlessly spray water,\u201d Solidum said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Department of Agriculture said it has already activated its El Ni\u00f1o Task Force to protect local food production. The DOST has deployed some of its innovations to assist farmers during this time, including solar-powered irrigation pumps. This can discharge up to 50 cubic meters of water using solar energy. The most recent recipients of this equipment, which costs P165,000 each, are Aurora farmers, who are expected to save P4,000 daily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Source: philstar.com<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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No Ebola case in Philippines \u2013 DOH<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

MANILA, Philippines, May 25 —— The Philippines remains free of Ebola, the Department of Health (DOH) assured the public even as the World Health Organization (WHO) raised concern over a growing outbreak of the Ebola Bundibugyo virus in parts of Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DOH spokesperson Albert Domingo said the country is not affected by the current outbreak, which has been detected in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. \u201cTo be very clear, there are no Ebola cases in the Philippines,\u201d Domingo said in a radio interview over the weekend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He added that while the WHO has issued warnings due to increasing cases in Congo, the Philippines remains at low risk because there is no direct exposure or active transmission locally. Domingo, who attended discussions at the World Health Assembly in Geneva, said the outbreak involves the Ebola Bundibugyo species, one of several strains of the virus identified since Ebola was first discovered in 1976. He explained that the Philippines has previously recorded Reston virus cases in animals in 1989, 1992, 1996 and 2008, but these were not linked to illness in humans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The current outbreak in Congo, he said, is more concerning because it involves human infections in a conflict-affected area in Ituri Province, where access to health care is severely limited. \u201cIt is in a conflict zone where health facilities are weak or informal, and medical response is difficult, which allows transmission to continue,\u201d Domingo said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Source: philstar.com<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Magnitude 5.5 quake jolts Surigao Sur<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

MANILA, May 25 —— A magnitude 5.5 earthquake jolted Surigao del Sur, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said. The tectonic quake struck 24 kilometers northeast of the municipality of Bayabas at 12:48 a.m. It was 20-km. deep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Intensity IV was felt in Bayabas and City of Tandag, Surigao del Sur; Claver, Surigao del Norte. Intensity III was reported in Cagwait and Lingig, Surigao del Sur; and Intensity II in City of Bislig, Surigao del Sur; Nabunturan, Compostela, Montevista, and Monkayo, Davao de Oro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Phivolcs recorded the following instrumental intensities:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

— Intensity III – Hinundayan, Southern Leyte<\/p>\n\n\n\n

— Intensity II – San Francisco, and Sogod, Southern Leyte; City of Baybay, Abuyog, and Hilongos, Leyte; Nabunturan, Davao de Oro; City of Gingoog, Misamis Oriental<\/p>\n\n\n\n

— Intensity I – San Fernando, Bukidnon; Dulag, Leyte<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reported intensity is the traditional way of determining intensity based on reports from people who felt the earthquake. Instrumental intensity, on the other hand, is measured using the intensity meter that measures ground acceleration. Meanwhile, Phivolcs said aftershocks are possible, while damage is not expected from the earthquake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Source: pna.gov.ph<\/p>\n\n\n\n

———————-   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

PH thanks Dutch aid for Filipino crew on hantavirus-hit ship<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

MANILA, May 25 —— Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac has thanked the Netherlands for the assistance to the Filipino crew members of the hantavirus-hit MV Hondius. \u201cNagpapasalamat tayo na very strong ang coordination with the Dutch government dahil sa panahong ito na matindi ang pangangailangan ng tripulante natin, talagang nandoon ang suporta natin at nagpahayag din tayo ng suporta sa kanila,\u201d Cacdac said in a press briefing upon his arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cacdac said he visited Filipino seafarers undergoing quarantine in the Netherlands, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.\u2019s directive to strengthen labor diplomacy with host countries of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). He said out of MV Hondius\u2019 38 Filipino crew members, 21 are currently under quarantine and monitoring in the Dutch capital of Amsterdam, while the rest underwent testing and quarantine upon arrival in Rotterdam on May 18. All of them are negative for hantavirus and have no symptoms, Cacdac added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stringent health protocols are also being implemented during the 42-day quarantine period for the crew, which ends on June 18. The Department of Health earlier said the 42-day quarantine period for individuals potentially exposed to hantavirus is based on the virus\u2019 incubation period, during which symptoms may appear between four and 42 days after exposure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under the whole-of-government approach, Cacdac says they are closely coordinating with the Department of Foreign Affairs to uphold the welfare of OFWs. Meanwhile, as of May 24, the DMW said 10,129 OFWs, their dependents, and stranded Filipinos have been repatriated by the government amid the tensions in the Middle East.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The government has also provided financial and emergency assistance to 34,188 OFWs and other affected Filipinos upon President Marcos\u2019 directive. In total, the DMW said the government has provided 70,148 on-site services, including food, transport, shelter, and medical assistance, to OFWs and their loved ones, including other forms of assistance and welfare support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Source: pna.gov.ph<\/p>\n\n\n\n

———————- <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Australia reaffirms commitment to PH as bilateral ties reach 80 years<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

MANILA, May 25 —— Australia reaffirmed its commitment to remain a trusted friend and strategic partner of the Philippines as the two nations marked 80 years of diplomatic relations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a statement, the Australian Embassy in the Philippines said Canberra remains committed to supporting Manila\u2019s sustained development and advancing shared priorities under their growing partnership. \u201cAustralia remains committed to working alongside the Philippines as a trusted friend and partner, advancing shared priorities in key areas such as defense and maritime cooperation, trade and investment, education, development cooperation, and people-to-people links,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The two nations formally commemorated the milestone during the day with a ceremony at the Quezon Memorial Shrine, which was illuminated in green and gold, Australia\u2019s national colors. Formal diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Australia were established on May 22, 1946, with the opening of the Australian Consulate in Manila.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the decades, the relationship has evolved into a strategic partnership, enabling both countries to expand cooperation in response to emerging regional challenges. A groundbreaking ceremony was also held in Quezon City for a historical marker commissioned by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), recognizing Australia\u2019s support for President Manuel L. Quezon and his government during World War II. \u201cIn 1942, Australia welcomed President Manuel L. Quezon and his government during one of the darkest chapters in Philippine history,\u201d Australian Ambassador Marc Innes-Brown said. \u201cThat spirit of friendship endures today, in our strategic partnership, our extensive cooperation, and in the more than 400,000 Filipinos who call Australia home,\u201d he added, noting that Quezon City was the most fitting venue to celebrate Australia and the Philippines\u2019 Friendship Day and anniversary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In early 1942, Quezon and his government fled the besieged island of Corregidor to continue the fight for liberation. Their journey took them by submarine to Panay, then by steamer and PT boat through dangerous waters in the Visayas before boarding B-17 bombers from Mindanao. They arrived in Darwin, northern Australia, on March 27, 1942, before proceeding to Melbourne, where they were welcomed by the Australian government and General Douglas MacArthur. Also present at the Quezon City ceremony were Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Leo Herrera-Lim, NHCP Executive Director Carminda Arevalo, and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Source: pna.gov.ph<\/p>\n\n\n\n

———————- <\/p>\n\n\n\n

ICC judges reject Duterte appeal bid on charges<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

MANILA, May 25 —— Pre-trial judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) have rejected the request of former president Rodrigo Duterte\u2019s defense team to appeal the decision confirming the crimes against humanity charges against him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a 12-page decision released Thursday night, ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I denied the request for leave to appeal the April 23 ruling that confirmed all charges against Duterte. The pre-trial judges ruled that the two issues raised by former lead defense counsel Nicholas Kaufman are not \u201cappealable issues\u201d that can be brought before the ICC Appeals Chamber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In one of his last pleadings filed on behalf of Duterte, Kaufman claimed that the Pre-Trial Chamber erred in law when it adopted a supposed \u201cflexible approach\u201d in the formulation of the charges against the former president. He also argued that the judges failed \u201cto articulate a reasoned evidentiary basis for confirming the charges.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In its ruling, the Pre-Trial Chamber I said the defense \u201cmischaracterized\u201d its decision on the matter of the proper delineation of the charges. \u201cDespite the defense\u2019s statement to the contrary, the First Proposed Issue is based on a conflation of two questions that are clearly distinct, as already clarified by the Chamber in the Confirmation Decision,\u201d the court said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The chamber made a similar finding on the second issue, noting that the defense\u2019s arguments \u201camount to a mere disagreement with the manner in which the Chamber articulated its assessment of the evidence.\u201d The denial of the request effectively closes the avenue for appeal against the decision confirming the three charges of crimes against humanity against Duterte.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under ICC rules, parties are not automatically allowed to appeal a pre-trial chamber\u2019s decision on the confirmation of charges. A granted motion for leave would have authorized the defense to elevate the issues before the ICC Appeals Chamber. Meanwhile, a separate trial chamber has already been constituted to handle Duterte\u2019s upcoming trial. It is currently conducting preliminary procedures, with the first status conference scheduled on May 27.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Source: pna.gov.ph<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Trough of LPA to dampen Mindanao, Palawan<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

MANILA, May 25 —— Scattered rains and thunderstorms are forecast across Mindanao and Palawan due to the trough of a low pressure area (LPA), the weather bureau said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moderate to heavy rains in the affected areas could result in flash floods or landslides, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said. The LPA, located 1,515 km. east of northeastern Mindanao, outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility as of 2 a.m., has a medium chance of developing into a tropical cyclone in the next 24 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, PAGASA said isolated rain showers or thunderstorms caused by the easterlies will prevail over the Bicol Region and Quezon. The rest of the country will also experience isolated rain showers due to localized thunderstorms. Light to moderate winds and slight to moderate seas will prevail throughout the archipelago, PAGASA said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Source: pna.gov.ph<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Joshua Garcia matures in showbiz, peace of mind is now his priority<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

May 25 —— Joshua Garcia is aware that his life is an open book since his \u201cPinoy Big Brother\u201d days. Now at 28 years old, he makes it a priority to protect his peace of mind at all times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Garcia opened up about prioritizing his peace of mind in a Star Magic Spotlight press con, when he was asked about what he wants to protect, especially since he\u2019s already been in showbiz for 10 years. \u201cPeace of mind \u2014 alam naman natin na magulo ang ating industry \u2014 relationships, and health. Hindi lahat ng nasa paligid mo ay nandyan para sa\u2019yo,\u201d he said. \u201cKaya that\u2019s why right now, I\u2019m protecting my peace, mga taong nagpapahalaga sa\u2019kin ng totoo, and myself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The actor admitted that he\u2019s also learning to discern which parts of life to keep to himself. \u201cSimula \u2018PBB,\u2019 parang bukas na libro ang buhay ko, eh. Wala talagang maitatago.\u201d \u201cAnd I\u2019m still working on [keeping things private]. Sometimes, wala ka na kasing magawa [kahit gusto mong itago ang ilang parte ng buhay mo,\u201d he continued. \u201cMahirap [magkaroon] ng boundaries sa work namin eh. Hindi mo rin mapipigilan ang mga tao.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite this, Garcia has accepted this reality for quite some time. He also learned to love the attention. \u201cKailangang alam mo \u2018yun bago ka pumasok sa trabahong ito, \u2018yung nandito ka pero nagrereklamo ka. Kailangan mong mahalin ang nangyayari sa mundo natin para tumagal. It\u2019s our job in the entertainment industry,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Garcia is the lead star of Prime Video\u2019s \u201cLove is Never Gone,\u201d which also stars Ivana Alawi, Fyang Smith, JM Ibarra, Jane Oineza, Jameson Blake, Dina Bonnevie, and Epy Quizon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Source: inquirer.net <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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As Cup of Joe holds stadium fest, they gain more self-confidence<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

May 25 —— Cup of Joe might\u2019ve reached new heights in the music industry, but staging their first stadium show brings a good kind of pressure, especially since it\u2019s meant to express their gratitude to those who supported them along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The five-piece band \u2014 composed of Gab Fernandez, Gian Bernardino, Rapha Ridao, CJ Fernandez, and Xen Gareza \u2014 will hold their \u201cSANDALI: The Cup of Joe Fest\u201d at the Philippine Sports Stadium on Saturday, May 23. Making special appearances are Bamboo, Ely Buendia, and Kamikazee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c\u2018Sandali\u2019 is \u2018yung pinakavibe niya is a music fest. Compared sa mga previous concerts namin, may specific na structure, theme, and story na sinusunod namin. Ngayon, focused siya sa celebratory na theme, kaya para siyang music festival na fun-fun lang,\u201d Fernandez said of the concert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bernardino quipped that the concert is like a Basaan Festival of some sort. \u201cConceptually, it\u2019s a water festival, so magbabasaan talaga, which is pangarap namin. Sana ready ang audience mabasa (Conceptually, it\u2019s a water festival, so the people will get wet. That\u2019s our dream. I hope the audience is ready to get wet).\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aside from the shift in theme, \u201cSandali\u201d marks the first time an OPM group will headline the Philippine Sports Stadium. It has often been a venue graced by K-pop acts, and this time it\u2019s a display of how the industry has taken up space since then. \u201cWe\u2019re the first OPM act to perform there. So wow, we feel a bit of pressure rin naman (We do feel a bit of pressure), so this concert is not just for us,\u201d Ridao said. \u201cIt\u2019s for those who supported us, so we wanted to appreciate the support they\u2019ve given us all these years. We want to make this one of the best festivals out there. I\u2019m pressured, but it\u2019s the good kind of pressure.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fans can expect the band\u2019s chart-topping hits and songs from their \u201cSandali\u201d EP, though Bernardino hinted that there would be solo performances. \u201cPressure builds diamonds. Individually, kinakabahan kami kasi first time namin \u2018yun gagawin (we\u2019re nervous because we\u2019ll be doing this for the first time),\u201d Bernardino said, with his bandmates giggling in excitement. The excitement on their faces was evident, a sign that they had gained the confidence to take risks and set higher standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSandali,\u201d an EP that Cup of Joe released last May 1, contains five songs: \u201cPamahiin,\u201d \u201cKung Payagan,\u201d \u201cLalayo,\u201d \u201cIsang Daan,\u201d and \u201cSandali.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Source: inquirer.net <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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BINI to perform at Kaogma Festival in Camarines Sur<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay, May 25 —— Renowned Filipino girl group BINI will perform at the Kaogma Festival 2026 in Camarines Sur following the group\u2019s historic appearance at Coachella in the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Camarines Sur Gov. Luis Raymund \u201cLray\u201d Villafuerte Jr. said BINI is scheduled to perform on May 30 at the CamSur Uptown grounds in Cadlan village in Pili town. \u201cFresh from making history as the first Filipino girl group to perform at Coachella, they are now coming to the Kaogma Festival 2026,\u201d Villafuerte said in a statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Kaogma Festival, one of Camarines Sur\u2019s biggest annual tourism events, will run from May 26 to 31 and is expected to draw thousands of visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The festival will feature free concerts, rides, and other entertainment activities, while admission to the festival grounds will remain free to the public. Other performers lined up for the festival include Ben&Ben, Lola Amour, Sponge Cola, Gloc-9, IV of Spades, and Dilaw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Festival activities include the Kaogmahan opening celebration, Mud Race, Battle of the Bands, Rap Night, and the Miss Kaogma pageant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Source: inquirer.net <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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SPORTS NEWS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

PBA: Scottie Thompson catches fire, lifts Ginebra past Rain or Shine<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

MANILA, May 25 —— Scottie Thompson and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel caught fire to torch the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 103-98, in Game 3 of the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup semifinals before 13,524 fans at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thompson drained five three-pointers to finish with 25 points, seven rebounds, three steals, and two assists as the Gin Kings took a 2-1 lead over RoS in the best-of-seven affair. “Very crucial for us, big win for us, kasi pwedeng turning point ‘to ng series. So throughout the game, we just lifted each other up sa defense and sa energy,” said Thompson after Ginebra avoided a double-digit collapse in the fourth period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also starring was Justin Brownlee, who finished with 24 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, while RJ Abarrientos added 17 markers, highlighted by three of Ginebra’s 14 three-pointers. However, nothing was bigger than Thompson’s crucial triple with over two minutes left, which re-extended Ginebra’s lead to eight, 99-91, after Caelan Tiongson had earlier pulled RoS within five. While Jaylen Johnson hit a four-pointer in the final 14 seconds to bring the Elasto Painters back within three, 101-98, that proved to be the closest they could get as Stephen Holt iced the game from the free-throw line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Holt finished with 11 points, seven rebounds, and three steals, while Troy Rosario and Japeth Aguilar added nine and seven markers, respectively. Meanwhile, Johnson and Tiongson each scored 23 points to lead Rain or Shine’s late surge, which nearly erased a 16-point deficit. Adrian Nocum added 17 points, four rebounds, and three assists, but also committed seven turnovers. Andrei Caracut provided an early spark, knocking down five of his seven triples in the first quarter en route to 15 points before going scoreless the rest of the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Scores:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ginebra 103 \u2013 Thompson 25, Brownlee 24, Abarrientos 17, Holt 9, Rosario 9, J.Aguilar 7, Gray 7, Cu 3, Pinto 0, Go 0, Torres 0.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rain or Shine 98 \u2013 Tiongson 23, Johnson 23, Nocum 17, Caracut 15, Mamuyac 7, Clarito 5, David 3, Asistio 3, Malonzo 2, Santillan 0, Manaytay 0.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quarterscores: 27-30, 48-56, 77-68, 103-98.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Source: news.abs-cbn.com<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Knicks beat Cavaliers to reach brink of NBA Finals<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

WASHINGTON, May 25 —— The New York Knicks are on the brink of their first NBA Finals since 1999 after a 121-108 victory at Cleveland stretched their playoff win streak to 10 games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jalen Brunson scored a game-high 30 points, O.G. Anunoby added 21 and Mikal Bridges contributed 22 on 11-of-15 shooting as New York pushed the Cavaliers to the edge of elimination. “I’m at a loss for words,” Brunson said. “I thought we fought, most importantly.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Knicks seized a commanding 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference finals and could complete a sweep in game four on Monday in Cleveland. No team in NBA history has recovered from a 3-0 deficit to win a playoff series. “The series isn’t over,” Anunoby said. “Just keep our foot on their necks and just try to win the game.” Brunson said the Knicks must continue to concentrate. “Just focus on one possession at a time,” Brunson said. “The way we’ve been having that mindset these past couple weeks, we have to continue it, if not actually better.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Knicks last reached the NBA Finals 27 years ago when they lost to San Antonio. They have not won the NBA championship since 1973. New York’s Karl-Anthony Towns had 13 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and three steals while Josh Hart added 12 points, nine rebounds, five assists and four steals for a Knicks team that has not been beaten in a month. “Our mindset hasn’t changed,” Brunson said. “We’re trying to get better every single day. We’re trying to learn from winning. “There’s a lot of things we can get better at. There’s a lot of things we can control, a lot of mental errors that we need to clean up, but we’re always just looking for ways to try and get better.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Evan Mobley led Cleveland with 24 points while Donovan Mitchell added 23 and James Harden scored 19 points. The Cavaliers, who squandered a 22-point lead to lose the series opener, never led as New York seized command early and dominated. “I guess you could say momentum carried over (from game one),” Anunoby said. “We try to play the right way every game but maybe that momentum carried over a little bit.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New York started the game 10-of-13 from the floor to seize a 29-19 lead only 8:29 into the contest, Towns delivering 11 points in the run on the way to a 37-27 lead after the first quarter. Cleveland trimmed New York’s half-time edge to 60-54 but the Cavs committed six turnovers in the first six minutes of the third quarter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Knicks were a 91-82 ahead entering the fourth quarter and stretched it 110-93 in the closing minutes before completing their fifth road triumph in a row. “It’s just executing the game plan on both sides of the floor, playing the right way, moving the ball then getting stops on defense,” Anunoby said of New York’s secret to success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Source: news.abs-cbn.com<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Russell endures Mercedes drama to take pole, Sprint win in Canada<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

May 25 —— GEORGE Russell asserted his mastery of Montreal, converting F1 Sprint pole into victory before denying Mercedes rival Kimi Antonelli for a third straight Canadian Grand Prix pole in a statement at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Russell survived heavy pressure and repeated attacks from Antonelli to win a tense Sprint that featured heated radio exchanges inside Mercedes. The tension started on Lap 5 when Antonelli attacked Russell into Turn 2, with the pair appearing to make slight contact as the Italian cut the corner and ran wide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Antonelli called Russell\u2019s defense ‘very naughty’ over team radio and pushed for a penalty, prompting team principal Toto Wolff to respond: \u201cConcentrate on the driving please, and not on the radio moaning.\u201d Antonelli\u2019s frustrations eventually opened the door for reigning world champion Lando Norris to split what had looked like another routine Mercedes 1-2, with the McLaren driver squeezing past the 19-year-old Italian for second during the shuffle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Russell remained composed despite the pressure, while Antonelli stayed aggressive until the final lap and launched another move by the last chicane. Slight contact with Norris again forced the Mercedes youngster wide, allowing Russell to hold on for his second Sprint win of the season and first in Canada. The frustration lingered after the checkered flag as Antonelli told the team radio: \u201cIf we need to race like this, good to know,\u201d before Wolff replied: \u201cWe talk about this internally, not on the radio.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Norris held on to second to complete the podium alongside Russell and Oscar Piastri, while Max Verstappen settled for fourth ahead of Charles Leclerc. Lewis Hamilton finished sixth after a late pass on Alex Albon, with the Williams driver taking seventh and Pierre Gasly collecting the final point in eighth. “I was never really concerned to be honest. Lots of people with a lot of things to say but ultimately just wanted to get back racing and it feels like the season is restarting now with six races in eight weeks,” Russell said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Russell then capped a near-perfect Saturday by snatching pole position away from Antonelli with a last-ditch Q3 lap of 1:12.578, securing the front spot in Canada for the third year running. Antonelli appeared set to continue Mercedes\u2019 qualifying dominance after topping the times late in Q3, but Russell delivered under pressure on his final flying lap, extracting crucial time through the final sector to edge his teammate by less than a tenth of a second.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pole made Russell the first driver since four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel from 2011 to 2013 to secure three consecutive poles in Canada, further cementing his strong record at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. “That last lap came from nowhere, and it was just a great feeling when it was such a challenging session. To put it all together on that last lap, to throw yourself up the leaderboard, was epic,” Russell said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Antonelli settled for second to complete another Mercedes front row, while Norris led McLaren\u2019s charge in third ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri. Lewis Hamilton put his Ferrari fifth on the grid, followed by Max Verstappen and Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar. Charles Leclerc could only manage eighth after struggling to improve on his final attempt, while Arvid Lindblad delivered an impressive qualifying run to ninth for Racing Bulls. Franco Colapinto completed the top 10 for Alpine. Mercedes once again asserted its one-lap strength, but the Sprint showed Russell and Antonelli\u2019s increasingly tense intra-team battle could become just as compelling as the fight against the rest of the field on Sunday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Source: spin.ph<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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FEATURED ARTICLE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Camaraderie among leaders<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I look back at the ASEAN Business Advisory Council\u2019s 106th Council Meeting and Second Retreat last May 10 and 11 in Boracay, I will remember how quickly we became more than delegates with shared agendas and how we started to become an ASEAN team in the truest sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes, we held our council meetings, but the meetings were only part of the work. What made this truly special was what came alongside it: the bonding moments, the evenings where we got to know one another well, where laughter replaced distance and where relationships turned into real trust. Even if some of the delegates were out of tune during the obligatory videoke sessions (this is the Philippines, after all), the point wasn\u2019t perfection but togetherness. The fact that we could share an imperfect moment and still keep showing up for each other says a lot about the kind of leadership we need more of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I believe that building camaraderie should not be a side activity; instead, it should become part of how leaders build the relationships that make cooperation possible, especially among different groups who must work toward one direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This being the second time since 2017 that I chaired the ASEAN-BAC, I feel the weight of what has come before. Not just the resounding success of our previous chairship of ASEAN-BAC (that, incidentally, was a tall order, considering it coincided with the 50th anniversary of ASEAN itself), which resulted in the impactful implementation of our legacy project, the ASEAN Mentorship for Entrepreneurs Network. Following the success of our most recent council meeting, I also feel something else: the confidence that we are building our plans through people we trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s easy to talk about being inclusive. It\u2019s harder to do it when you\u2019re dealing with different perspectives, different priorities and different institutional cultures. That is why I believe the real work happens when we get to know each other not just as roles, but as individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s also why I think friendly, human relationship-building \u2013 yes, even something as simple as a round of golf played in good spirit \u2013 can matter. Not because leisure is important by itself, but because the atmosphere changes. People speak more openly. They listen differently. They collaborate without defensiveness. And when the time comes to align policies, solve problems or respond to pressure, we have a foundation of trust to lean on. In a region as diverse as ours, the building of trust between governments and business contributes to the infrastructure of unity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That being said, I must mention the beautiful ceremonial tee-off at the Fairways and Bluewater by the ASEAN-BAC team during our Council Meeting, including Laos\u2019 Oudet Souvannavong, Singapore\u2019s Robert Yap, Indonesia\u2019s Bernardino Vega and our very own Michael Tan and George Barcelon. This being the first of the ASEAN-BAC Golf Series, I look forward to September and November for the next leg, and to the years ahead, when this has become a tradition initiated by the ASEAN-BAC Philippines chairship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What I want us to take forward from Boracay, however, is the idea of an \u201cASEAN team\u201d \u2013 not just a group of countries coordinating on paper, but a community of leaders and supporters who choose to work together. If we want an inclusive ASEAN, we must keep expanding this circle \u2013 bringing in more voices, more perspectives and more partners, and making sure no one feels like an afterthought.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s why one of our plans for ASEAN-BAC\u2019s big event in this coming November\u2019s ASEAN Business and Investment Summit is to put up LED screens in the malls so more people can become aware of the meetings that will, at some point, affect their lives. This will be alongside Go Negosyo\u2019s Trabaho@Negosyo in the malls. These are public-facing initiatives that represent visibility for the themes we stand for. ASEAN should feel real and relevant to the people it comprises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Relationship-building is how we keep ASEAN inclusive in practice. The work set before us now is no joke. We are in the midst of a geopolitical storm that is bringing energy shocks, which will eventually translate to disruptions in our food supplies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During our meeting, we synthesized and whittled down to five the priority actions which we believe, as the ASEAN private sector, will help our regional resilience and guide our region through these global shifts: (1) creating green lanes of food, feed, fertilizer and packaging, while avoiding sudden export restrictions; (2) making sure food systems have enough energy so food processing, cold storage and logistics can continue during disruptions; (3) supporting SMEs and farmers through easier access to financing so they can continue operations and protect jobs; (4) improving regulatory flexibility by speeding up approvals for low-risk alternatives without sacrificing safety and (5) creating a permanent public-private mechanism to monitor disruptions and coordinate faster regional responses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two of these five priorities are exclusively food-related. This is because food is inseparable and is reflective of supply chain resilience. It is the one metric that is immediately felt by every citizen in ASEAN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While we prioritize mitigating the effects of the war, we should not lose sight of the importance of preparing for growth. We must continue to pursue digital transformation, intensify MSME development, advance women\u2019s economic empowerment and strengthen the region\u2019s creative economy to help ASEAN stay future-ready. At the same time, stronger cooperation between governments and businesses is needed to improve coordination and delivery. ASEAN-BAC itself will create dedicated working groups on supply chains, sustainability and digital transformation. It will continue to strengthen partnerships with Joint Business Councils to encourage more cross-border trade and investment and look to the wisdom of our past leaders in the ASEAN-BAC to inform the way forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Source: Go Negosyo – www.philstar.com<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

HEADLINES Oil slips to 2-week low as US-Iran talks continue, but no peace deal yet Taiwan, China coast guards in standoff at top of South China Sea Iran’s Continued Control of Hormuz Intensifies Seafarer Misery Vessel collision results in oil spill in Nigerian waters Tanker Near Somalia Fires Warning Shots to Chase Off Suspicious Approach […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1510","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mbm.com.ph\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1510","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mbm.com.ph\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mbm.com.ph\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mbm.com.ph\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mbm.com.ph\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1510"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/mbm.com.ph\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1510\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1511,"href":"https:\/\/mbm.com.ph\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1510\/revisions\/1511"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mbm.com.ph\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1510"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mbm.com.ph\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1510"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mbm.com.ph\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1510"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}