9.7% live below poverty line: Does it reflect the true state of Filipinos?

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Aug 23, 2026 12:05 am | Updated Aug 22, 2026 04:43 pm

The Philippines has reached a milestone that deserves recognition: poverty incidence fell to 9.7 percent in 2025, the lowest on record and the first time the proportion of Filipinos living below the official poverty line has fallen into single digits. It also means the country achieved the Philippine Development Plan's 2028 poverty target ahead of schedule.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that the 2025 figure translates to about 11.08 million Filipinos living below the poverty line, down from 17.54 million in 2023. In two years, approximately 6.46 million people were lifted above the official poverty threshold. The decline is substantial and cannot just be dismissed as pure statistics.

This is an achievement the government and the Filipino people can rightly celebrate.

The improvement also indicates that economic growth, easing inflation and employment conditions, together with social protection, can produce tangible gains in household welfare. It demonstrates the value of policies that expand economic opportunities while protecting vulnerable families from economic shocks.

Yet precisely because the achievement is significant, it warrants a deeper question: Does the 9.7-percent poverty rate fully reflect the poverty that Filipinos actually experience?

This is not an argument against the PSA's statistics. Rather, the issue is whether the yardstick remains sufficiently comprehensive, and whether the poverty threshold itself remains sufficiently representative of what it actually costs to live with dignity in the Philippines.

Economist Edita A. Tan, in her 2017 study, “How We Measure Poverty Underestimates Its Extent and Depth,” published in the Philippine Review of Economics, argued that the official income threshold does not adequately account for nonfood needs and may therefore underestimate both the extent of poverty and the rate at which it is being reduced. She examined evidence involving nutrition, education, and housing and proposed alternative poverty thresholds, with particular attention to housing.

This is another observation worth considering.

A household can rise above an official income threshold and still struggle to pay for adequate food, decent housing, education, healthcare, transportation and other necessities. It can remain one illness, job loss, disaster, or sudden price increase away from financial distress.

For many ordinary Filipinos, this distinction is not academic. A family that can technically meet a statistical threshold but cannot afford nutritious food, secure housing or necessary medical care would hardly regard itself as having escaped poverty.

The country should therefore celebrate the 9.7-percent figure without treating it as the final word on poverty.

The next step should be a serious review of how poverty is measured. Income-based poverty incidence remains indispensable, but it could be complemented by measures of housing adequacy, food security, access to healthcare and education, employment quality, debt vulnerability and exposure to economic shocks.

The objective should not be to make the poverty figure look worse. It should be to make it more truthful.

Reaching single-digit poverty ahead of 2028 is a milestone worthy of national recognition. But the more meaningful victory will come when fewer Filipinos are merely above the poverty line—and more are securely beyond the conditions that make poverty a daily reality.

The country has crossed an important statistical threshold. Now it must ensure that the threshold itself reflects the lives of the people it is meant to measure.

You have found favor with God

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Aug 22, 2026 12:05 am | Updated Aug 21, 2026 04:27 pm

REFLECTIONS TODAY

The feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, instituted by Pope Pius XII in 1954, honors Mary not only as the Mother of God but also as our Queen, reigning with Christ in glory. This feast draws inspiration from Scriptures. The book of Revelation speaks of “a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars” (12:1). This image fittingly illustrates Mary, the mother of the Messiah, now gloriously crowned in heaven. In his Letter to the Romans, Paul writes about God’s purpose and predestination, reminding us of Mary’s unique role in salvation history (8:28-30). The Gospel, in turn, points not to a grand lady, but to a humble handmaid of the Lord who obeys his bidding. But because the Lord looks upon her lowliness, people of all ages will call her blessed (Lk 1:48).

Mary’s queenship, as all her other states and privileges, is intimately associated with Jesus. As Jesus’ kingship is marked by his being the Good Shepherd, Mary’s queenship is characterized by maternal care that embraces all her children, especially those in need. She is our advocate, our sweetness, and our hope. She listens to our prayers, comforts us in our sorrows, and leads us to her Son. Just as she interceded for the bride and groom at the wedding feast in Cana, she is present in our lives, interceding for us before her Son, Jesus.

First Reading • Is 9:1-6 [or Ez 43:1-7ab]

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, as they rejoice before you as at the harvest, as people make merry when dividing spoils. For the yoke that burdened them, the pole on their shoulder, and the rod of their taskmaster you have smashed, as on the day of Midian. For every boot that tramped in battle, every cloak rolled in blood, will be burned as fuel for flames.

For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace. His dominion is vast and forever peaceful, from David’s throne, and over his kingdom, which he confirms and sustains by judgment and justice, both now and forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this!

Responsorial Psalm • Ps 113 [or 85]

“Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever.” or “Alleluia.”

Gospel • Lk 1:26-38 [or Mt 23:1-12]

The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end.” But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2026,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: publishing@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

Alas Pilipinas closes breakthrough worlds campaign in style

 Physiotherapist Hannah de Luna, Resty Olaguir, Jhenica Sadia, Nadeth Herbon, Xyz Rayco, Madele Gale, Jhaynna Bulandres, Sharina Lleses, Caera Celis, Jello Mauricio, (front) Taj Teves, Khaira Manzano. (Volleyball World)

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Aug 20, 2026 01:36 pm

SANTIAGO, Chile — Built on just days of preparation and modest financial support, Caera Celis, Xyz Rayco, Jhaynna Bulandres, Irish Mahinay, Khaira Manzano and the rest of Alas Pilipinas Girls reached uncharted territory.

At the FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U17 World Championship, Alas Pilipinas—supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, and Asics—showed the talent and resolve to compete among the best, entering the tournament ranked No. 25 and finishing in 15th spot.

The Alas Pilipinas Girls closed the tournament on a high, shaking off early troubles to defeat Czechia, 21-25, 25-22, 25-14, 25-22, on Sunday, Aug. 16, at Parque Estadio Nacional.

The victory capped a campaign that included a historic berth in the Round of 16 and gave the Philippines its best finish in any volleyball world championship.

Celis noted that while every moment of the tournament was special, nothing beats the feeling of winning.

“We learned a lot from every game, even when we made mistakes,” Celis said. “But the victories were for sure the most fun we had here.”

Celis, who scored 25 against Czechia, had a tournament average of 18 points per match. She matched the tournament’s third-highest total score of 162 and was fourth in total attack points at 141.

Rayni Merab Mondesi Arias of the Dominican Republic topped both departments with 217 attack points and 235 total.

Rayco, meanwhile, matched the ninth-best total in the tournament for successful receives at 38, while averaging 9.33 points. Nadeth Herbon matched the 14th-best total at 33. Chinese Taipei’s Ting-yi Chen had the highest total of 88.

Herbon, who played outside hitter twice while taking the role of libero in the other matches, was 11th in the digs department with 95. Peru’s libero Vannia Giordana Adrianzen Ocrospoma led the field with 166.

Mahinay had 15 aces to match the sixth-highest total. Italy’s Beatrice Scalzotto topped the list with 23.

While they are being celebrated back home for breaking new ground, the team that also features Madele Gale, Megan Hernandez, Sharina Rhyza Lleses, Nadeth Herbon and Resty Olaguir were quick to keep the focus on the experience they shared rather than comparisons with previous national teams.

The Alas Pilipinas team featuring Marck Espejo and Bryan Bagunas came within a couple of points of reaching the Round of 16 before finishing 19th at last year’s FIVB Men’s World Championship. The 1974 Philippine women’s team placed 18th in the 1974 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship in Mexico.

Frances Ramos, Jello Mauricio, Jhenica Sadia and Taj Arkhea Teves also played key roles as Alas Pilipinasmade it to the Round of 16 with a 2-3 record, beating world No. 8 Mexico in four sets and sweeping past No. 20 Tunisia.

The USA won the gold medal match against Turkiye, 25-23, 25-11, 25-23.

Protecting the Filipino youth in the digital space

 

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Aug 18, 2026 12:05 am | Updated Aug 17, 2026 04:53 pm

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has raised a concern that deserves far more than passing attention: the growing influence of social media and online personalities, including politicians, on children and young people.

Speaking before the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) in Malacañang, the President warned about children’s exposure to harmful online content and distorted realities.

His observation comes at a critical time. For Filipino children, the smartphone is no longer merely a communication device. It has multiple functions: classroom, playground, entertainment center and, increasingly, a source of news and political information. The line separating the conveyance of factual information from engaging in persuasion can be dangerously thin.

That young Filipinos have, in fact, become more politically aware is not being disputed. The concern is whether they are being equipped to distinguish fact from fiction and public service from self-promotion.

Unscrupulous politicians possess an unprecedented ability to communicate directly with young audiences, bypassing traditional media filters and reaching them through short videos, memes, influencers and algorithmically curated feeds. What attracts attention is not necessarily what is true or socially beneficial. Content that provokes anger, fear or amusement can travel faster than careful explanations of complex public issues.

Are our safeguards adequate? Clearly, they need strengthening.

The Philippines already has laws and institutions addressing cybercrime, child exploitation, data privacy and online harms. Congress is also considering stronger measures. A House proposal would prohibit children below the age of 13 from creating or maintaining social media accounts and require platforms to implement reliable age-verification systems and safeguards against evasion. A Senate measure has proposed raising the threshold to age 16.

These initiatives merit serious consideration, but legislation alone will not solve the problem. A prohibition that cannot be effectively enforced risks becoming another rule honored more in the breach than in practice.

There are useful lessons to be learned from other countries.

Australia now requires age-restricted social media platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent those below age 16 from holding accounts. Its approach is backed by an independent online safety regulator and consultation involving industry, educators, researchers, parents and young people themselves.

Britain, meanwhile, is examining minimum-age requirements alongside restrictions on risky design features such as infinite scrolling and autoplay, while considering how age-assurance technology can support implementation.

The lesson is not necessarily to copy Australia’s under-16 model wholesale. It is to build a comprehensive ecosystem of protection: enforceable platform responsibility, privacy-conscious age assurance, parental guidance, school-based digital and media literacy, accessible reporting mechanisms, and meaningful penalties for platforms that repeatedly fail to protect children.

Equally important is teaching young Filipinos how algorithms work and why their feeds are not neutral windows to reality. Critical thinking must become as essential a digital skill as reading and writing.

Government, platforms, schools, parents and the news media all have responsibilities. So do political leaders. Those who seek the attention and trust of young people must recognize that influence carries a corresponding obligation to uphold truth, civility and democratic values.

The President’s warning should, therefore, become a call to action for responsible digital citizenship.

The objective should be neither to keep young Filipinos away from the digital world nor to dictate what they should think. It is to ensure that when they enter that world, they are sufficiently informed, critical and discerning to decide for themselves.

In a democracy, protecting young minds is ultimately about protecting the quality of tomorrow’s electorate.

Revisit Manila Bay reclamation projects before floods worsen

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Aug 16, 2026 12:05 am | Updated Aug 15, 2026 04:59 pm

The flooding that has battered Metro Manila and nearby provinces in recent days should prompt the government to look beyond the immediate causes of the disaster. Heavy rains from the enhanced southwest monsoon, compounded by other weather disturbances, undoubtedly overwhelmed communities. Garbage clogging waterways has also aggravated the problem.

The causes, while valid, should not become convenient excuses for avoiding a more fundamental question: Where is the floodwater supposed to go?

Metro Manila’s flood-management strategy cannot be reduced to clearing drains, widening waterways, building pumping stations and constructing flood-control structures. These measures address the movement of water inland. But they do not fully answer the equally important question of where that water will ultimately be discharged.

For decades, Manila Bay has functioned as the region’s natural drain for runoff from rivers, esteros, and drainage systems. Yet reclamation has progressively altered portions of the bay’s physical character, reducing open water and changing the coastline.

This does not mean every reclamation project can automatically be blamed for a particular flood. Nor does the Archimedes principle, by itself, establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between reclamation and inland flooding. But its fundamental lesson is difficult to ignore: when physical space in water is occupied, displaced water must go somewhere.

In a shallow, semi-enclosed body such as Manila Bay, changing the bay’s geometry can affect water movement, circulation, tidal exchange and drainage. If reclamation reduces available water space or obstructs natural pathways, the displaced water and altered flows may increase pressure on already vulnerable shorelines, river mouths and drainage outlets. Those consequences deserve rigorous, cumulative scientific assessment—not assumptions made after disasters occur.

That is why the Department of Environment and Natural Resources must fast-track its cumulative impact assessment of Manila Bay reclamation projects.

The need is hardly theoretical. The DENR has previously acknowledged the necessity of examining reclamation projects collectively because their combined environmental effects cannot adequately be understood by assessing each undertaking in isolation. The Supreme Court, meanwhile, has required government agencies under its continuing writ of mandamus to clean up, rehabilitate, and preserve Manila Bay.

The Court has also specifically required government agencies to report on ongoing reclamation projects and their environmental impact assessments in connection with Manila Bay.

Government agencies charged with enforcing that continuing mandamus therefore cannot afford complacency. Rehabilitation and protection of Manila Bay must mean more than improving water quality and removing trash. It must also mean protecting the bay’s capacity to perform its broader environmental and hydrological functions.

The proposed garbage master plan and more efficient flood-control projects are necessary and welcome. But they represent only half of the solution.

The other half is the receiving end.

It is not enough to ask how quickly floodwater can be moved away from homes and roads. Policymakers must also answer where millions of cubic meters of water will go once they reach the drainage system.

If Manila Bay is the natural receiving basin, then the government must determine whether reclamation is diminishing that capacity—and, if so, by how much and with what consequences.

Development has its place. Reclamation may generate economic activity, create land, and support urban expansion. But no development should be allowed to externalize its environmental costs onto flood-prone communities.

The government should therefore revisit Manila Bay reclamation projects now, while there is still time to correct the course.

The question is no longer simply how to control the flood, but where to let the floodwater go.

Reining in the power giants

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Aug 15, 2026 12:05 am | Updated Aug 14, 2026 04:32 pm

When the Philippines passed the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) in 2001, the promise was to privatize state power assets, unleash open competition, and lower electricity rates for Filipino consumers burdened by some of the highest utility bills in Asia. Twenty-five years later, that promise remains unfulfilled.

Instead of a dynamic energy market, the reform gave rise to a tight corporate oligopoly. According to recent research from the state-run Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), just five conglomerates control roughly 85 percent of the country’s installed generation capacity—with the two largest groups accounting for 43 percent alone.

As President Marcos and lawmakers move to amend the two-decade-old law, the government must admit that the original EPIRA rules failed to stop market concentration, and consumers pay for that failure every month. If Congress wants to lower power costs and protect the grid, it must use the pending EPIRA amendments to tighten competition safeguards, overhaul regulatory oversight, and close the loopholes that allow power giants to police themselves.

The core issue comes down to how EPIRA defined market caps. On paper, the generation sector looks reasonably competitive because a long tail of small suppliers dilutes the math. But in reality, a handful of mega-conglomerates hold all the leverage. The PIDS paper points out that these incumbents often act as “pivotal suppliers”—meaning their plants must run to meet peak demand, giving them outsized influence over spot market prices. To make matters worse, these same fossil-fuel giants are moving quickly to lock down renewable energy projects, threatening to block new competitors as the country shifts toward clean power.

Fixing this requires targeting the ways power companies pass costs onto everyday customers. The most glaring conflict of interest occurs when a power distributor buys electricity from its own sister company. Current rules allow a utility to source up to 50 percent of its power from affiliated generators. That threshold is far too loose, offering virtually no protection against self-dealing and inflated pricing.

Lawmakers should back proposals like Senate Bill 1950, which applies the strict definition of corporate “control” established by the Philippine Competition Act. Crucially, the antitrust watchdog—the Philippine Competition Commission—should lead investigations into unfair business practices, while the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) focuses on penalizing offenders based on those findings.

Of course, better rules will not matter if the referee lacks teeth. The ERC has struggled for years with backlogs, regulatory capture, and shortage of technical expertise. Congress should raise the maximum fine for anti-competitive behavior from a harmless ₱50 million to half a billion pesos, index it to inflation, and require companies to refund consumers. Penalties must actually hurt the corporate balance sheet rather than serve as a minor cost of doing business. Adding a dedicated economist to the commission and setting firm deadlines for decisions would also help clear the backlog.

At the same time, lawmakers must avoid taking steps backward. Proposals to let the state-owned National Power Corp. build and operate power plants nationwide risk driving away private capital, warping market prices, and sticking taxpayers with the bill. State power generation should remain strictly limited to off-grid areas and islands where private companies refuse to go.

EPIRA was originally written to dismantle a slow and expensive state monopoly, but it has created a private cartel instead. By adopting the practical reforms put forward by PIDS, Congress has a chance to fix this broken system. It is time to rewrite the rules so the power sector serves the public rather than a few powerful business interests.

Philippines risks missing AI boom as BPO jobs face automation threat

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Aug 13, 2026 04:53 pm

The Philippines risks falling behind the artificial intelligence (AI) boom as it benefits less from the surge in AI-related electronics exports while its massive business process outsourcing (BPO) industry faces growing exposure to automation, according to think tank Capital Economics.

In a report last Wednesday, Aug. 12, Capital Economics senior Asia economist Gareth Leather said the country is neither benefiting significantly from the increase in AI-related electronics exports nor well positioned to capture the productivity gains from wider AI adoption.

“The Philippines risks falling behind in the AI revolution,” Capital Economics said.  

The report noted that electronics exports have surged across much of Asia over the past year as companies increased production and raised prices of semiconductors and other components used in AI infrastructure, with particularly strong growth in Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia.

By contrast, Capital Economics said Philippine electronics exports have risen at a much weaker pace.

The think tank also noted that the Philippines ranked 43rd out of 47 economies in its AI Economic Impact Index, with a score of just 21 out of 100. The index assesses economies’ ability to innovate, adopt, and benefit from AI, with the Philippines ranking at the bottom among the Asian economies covered.

Manila Bulletin reported last February that the Philippines also ranked last among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-5 economies covered by the index, behind Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. The country was among the bottom five globally, alongside Mexico, South Africa, Ukraine, and Argentina.   

Capital Economics said the bigger economic risk lies in the country’s BPO industry, which directly employs around 1.8 million workers, generates roughly $40 billion in annual export revenues, and accounts for around seven to eight percent of gross domestic product (GDP).

Many services provided by the industry, including customer support, back-office administration, finance and accounting, routine information technology (IT) support, and other repetitive cognitive tasks, are activities that AI is increasingly capable of automating, it noted.

Around 70 percent of Philippine BPO revenues remain linked to voice-based services, where AI-powered chatbots and voice assistants are rapidly improving, according to Capital Economics.

While AI is not expected to eliminate these jobs immediately, industry estimates cited by the think tank suggest that around one million BPO-related jobs in the Philippines could be vulnerable to automation by 2030.

Capital Economics contrasted the Philippines with India, which has developed a broader technology base through global capability centers focused on software engineering, product development, and higher-value business functions.

The think tank noted that the Philippines has more resilient niches, including complex healthcare BPO and higher-value customer support, where regulatory requirements and the need for human judgment offer some protection. However, these account for only around 20 percent of the industry, while the majority of revenues remain concentrated in routine customer experience and back-office functions that are more exposed to automation.   

Capital Economics warned that without the deeper pool of technical talent and IT capabilities available in countries such as India to absorb workers into higher-value roles, “AI is more likely to substitute for Philippine BPO workers than complement them.”

The warning comes as the Philippines seeks to attract AI, semiconductor, advanced manufacturing, and other high-value investments through its participation in the United States (US)-led Pax Silica initiative.

The Philippines and the US are developing a nearly 1,619-hectare (ha) economic security zone in New Clark City in Tarlac province, envisioned as the first AI-native industrial acceleration hub under Pax Silica. The facility is expected to accommodate investments in critical mineral processing, semiconductor design and manufacturing, AI infrastructure, high-performance computing, energy, and digital infrastructure.

The Philippines joined Pax Silica in April as the alliance’s 13th member. The initiative seeks to strengthen supply chains spanning critical minerals, energy inputs, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, logistics, and AI infrastructure. - Danielle T. Bayani

Alex Eala's triumph, a wake-up call

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Aug 6, 2026 12:01 am | Updated Aug 5, 2026 03:57 pm

For a country weighed down by endless political noise, controversy, and public frustration, Alex Eala's historic victory at the WTA 500 Mubadala Open in Washington, DC, came like a refreshing breeze. Her breakthrough as the first Filipina to capture a WTA 500 singles title was not merely a sporting achievement. It became a rare moment when Filipinos, regardless of political affiliation, found themselves united in celebration rather than divided by endless debates and mudslinging.

At a time when the national conversation has been dominated by political wrangling and lingering questions surrounding flood control projects, Eala reminded the nation that excellence, not conflict, deserves the loudest applause.

Her victory was earned the hard way. It was built on years of discipline, sacrifice, and relentless improvement. It was no accident that one of the world's finest players, Jessica Pegula, offered heartfelt praise after the final. "I want to congratulate Alex on an amazing tournament," said the world No. 3 and Mubadala Open top seed, adding that Eala's remarkable progress over the past few years and the passionate support she receives everywhere she plays are “amazing.” Earlier in the tournament, Pegula had already described the Filipina as “the future of the tour” after Eala defeated Naomi Osaka.

Those words carry enormous weight because they come from athletes who understand greatness better than anyone.

The accolades did not stop there. Former British No. 1 Greg Rusedski called Eala “the most exciting player on the WTA Tour,” praising her fearless style, strong mentality, and ability to take the ball early. While noting that further improvements to her serve could elevate her to Grand Slam contention, he made it clear that the rest of her game already belongs among the elite.

Former US Open champion Andy Roddick echoed that assessment, calling Eala “the real deal.” He admired her willingness to challenge the world’s best without intimidation and observed that her ability to redirect pace and pressure opponents makes her a dangerous competitor no top seed wants to face early in a tournament.

Perhaps the most meaningful recognition came from Rafael Nadal, whose academy helped shape Eala's development. The Spanish legend congratulated his former student on social media, calling the championship “a well-deserved title for all the hard work.”

These endorsements are more than compliments. They are affirmations from respected voices that the Philippines has produced an athlete capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with the world’s best.

Yet Eala’s greatest contribution may extend beyond tennis.

Her journey offers a powerful lesson for Philippine leaders. Progress is never built on endless political point-scoring or personal rivalries. It is achieved through preparation, discipline, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to a larger purpose. The same qualities that lifted Eala to international glory are the very virtues needed to move the Philippines forward.

Imagine what the Philippines could accomplish if public officials pursued excellence with the same determination Eala displays on every point, placing country above politics and service above self-interest.

Alex Eala has given the nation more than a championship trophy. She has restored hope, even if only for a moment. She reminded Filipinos that greatness is still possible, that hard work still matters, and that the Philippine flag can still rise proudly on the world stage because of talent, integrity, and perseverance.

May her remarkable ascent inspire not only the next generation of athletes but also those entrusted with leading the nation. The Philippines deserves more victories like Alex Eala’s—and far fewer distractions from the work of building a better future.

Back and bigger than ever: The Philippine Readers & Writers Festival returns, now with Komikon

Happening at National Book Store, Araneta City Cubao

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Aug 4, 2026 02:40 pm

National Book Store (NBS), the country’s largest bookstore chain, proudly presents the return of its flagship literary event: Philippine Readers & Writers Festival (PRWF) from August 14 to 16, 2026 (Friday to Sunday).

It is now happening at the 2nd and 3rd floors of the NBS Building in Araneta City Cubao, easily accessible via a multitude of transport options, from the nearby MRT to buses and jeepneys. This year’s Festival is the largest iteration in history, featuring over 40 events celebrating Filipino creativity, literature, and storytelling. And as with previous events, entry is completely free!

Book Launches, Panel Discussions, and Workshops

PRWF 2026 marks a historic milestone with its first-ever partnership with Komikon—the Philippines' first and longest-running annual comic book fan convention, founded in 2005 to celebrate local Pinoy komiks and visual creators.

The Festival brings together an unprecedented lineup of publisher-led sessions, workshops, and panel discussions that cater to storytellers and bookworms.

For Aspiring Authors & Illustrators

- From Reality to Fiction: Finding Stories Around Us, a panel discussion with Ronaldo Vivo Jr., Alvin Yapan, & Douglas Candano (Penguin SEA)

- Author Branding 101: Why Authors Should Treat Themselves as a Brand, an insightful talk by Kath C. Eustaquio-Derla (Paperkat Books)

- Manuscript Clinic: Meet the Editors, a special editorial consultation with R. Jordan P. Santos & Kath C. Eustaquio-Derla (Anvil Publishing & Paperkat Books)

For BookTok, Romance, & Young Adult Readers

- From the Philippines to the Bestseller List, a conversation between New York Times Bestselling Authors Thea Guanzon & Samantha Sotto-Yambao (Penguin Random House)

- BookTok, Trends, and Tropes: An Unfiltered Discussion with Filipino Book Content Creators, a panel discussion with Andrea Panaligan, Cedrix Eligio, Jucelle Garcia, Koji Arsua, & MJ Ampolitod-Busa

- Why Readers Keep Falling in Love with Romance, a panel discussion with Mica de Leon, Kyra Ysabel, Ines Bautista-Yao, & Bea Bustamante (Penguin Random House SEA)

- Flutter Fic Book Launch: Wake Up, Dreamers and You Again by AnakNiRizal & La Tigresa (Anvil Publishing)

For Komiks, Graphic Novel, & Pop Culture Enthusiasts

- 20 Years of KOMIKON and Pinoy Komiks, a retrospective talk with Jon Zamar (Komikon)

- Kenkoy and Velasquez, Continuing the Legacy, a talk on pop culture heritage with Ian Velasquez (Komikon)

- The Notebook: The Musical special live cast appearance and performance (Theatre Group Asia)

For Speculative Fiction, Fantasy, & Sci-Fi Fans

- What Makes Filipino Sci-Fi Feel Filipino, a panel discussion with Lucia Asul, John Ray, & Borg Sinaban (Makiling Made / Raygun Press)

- Building Worlds, Creating Monsters, a world-building panel with Karl de Mesa, Bea Bustamante, & Anthony Shieh — Penguin Random House SEA

- Where Horror Comes Home, a talk by the Queen of Philippine Horror Stories, Yvette Tan (Anvil Publishing)

For Foodies, History Buffs, & Growth Seekers

- Book signing with acclaimed historian and bestselling author Ambeth Ocampo (Anvil Publishing)

- Simpol Kitchen Stories, a talk and book signing with Chef Tatung (Vertikal-Kreatives)

- My Name is Morena, an inspiring conversation and book signing with Ayn Bernos & Myrza Sison (Summit Books)

- Rising Tigers Magazine Signing with former Cong. Mikee Romero, Atty. George Erwin M. Garcia, & Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas (TAG Media and Public Relations)

For Parents, Educators, & Young Readers

- Makulay na Lakbay sa Bawat Linya, a middle-grade fiction discussion with Christine S. Bellen-Ang (Adarna House)

- Lifebooks Book Launch, a multi-author fiction showcase with Mayumi Cruz, VChesterG, Jonquil, & Keira Viresse (Acts 29 Publishing)

Discounts, Freebies, & More Deals

Apart from the multitude of talks, launches, and masterclasses, Festival attendees will also get to enjoy:

- Get up to 20% OFF on new releases and bestselling local and imported books

- Shop for sulit reads for as low as ₱99 and Buy More, Get More offers on participating titles

- Use free, limited edition stamps to decorate your books, journals, and planners

- Freebies & prizes from publishers and partners

- Free skeks cards drawn by a komiks exhibitor (first 100 attendees only)

- Free entrance passes to MIBF 2026

- Get to present your manuscript to publishing experts

- Opportunities to network with fellow authors, artists, readers, and publishers

Visit this page for the full event schedule and more details. Follow National Book Store on social media for more updates — @nationalbookstore on Instagram, Threads, and TikTok, @nbsalert on Facebook, X, and YouTube.

PH History Month: Raising awareness on nation's future

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Aug 4, 2026 12:05 am | Updated Aug 3, 2026 04:38 pm

National History Month, observed every August, is more than a ceremonial remembrance of the nation’s past. It is an invitation for every Filipino to reflect on the enduring lessons of history and their relevance to the defining issues of our time. At a moment when disinformation proliferates, tensions persist in the West Philippine Sea, and the country begins looking toward the 2028 national elections, historical literacy has become an indispensable pillar of responsible citizenship.

History is the nation’s collective memory. It records not only the triumphs of heroes and the milestones of nationhood but also the difficult lessons learned through conflict, colonization, dictatorship, democratic restoration, and economic transformation. A people who understand their history are better equipped to distinguish truth from falsehood and to make informed decisions about their future.

The challenge today is that history itself has become a contested space. The digital revolution has democratized information, but it has also enabled the rapid spread of fabricated accounts, manipulated images, and misleading narratives that often blur the line between fact and opinion. Social media algorithms reward sensationalism over accuracy, while artificial intelligence has made it easier than ever to produce convincing but deceptive content. Historical revisionism, whether driven by politics or ideology, thrives when citizens lose the habit of verifying facts and consulting credible sources.

This makes National History Month especially relevant. Historical literacy is no longer simply an academic pursuit; it has become a civic necessity. Filipinos must be able to evaluate competing narratives with discernment, recognizing that democracy flourishes only when public debate rests on truth rather than distortion.

This imperative extends to the country’s continuing assertion of its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea. The Philippines’ position is anchored not merely on contemporary diplomacy but on decades of international law, documented historical records, and the landmark 2016 Arbitral Award, whose legal significance remains a cornerstone of Philippine foreign policy. Appreciating the historical context behind these developments helps citizens understand that defending national sovereignty is neither a partisan cause nor a fleeting political issue. It is a continuing national responsibility that transcends administrations and generations.

Historical awareness likewise assumes greater importance as political attention gradually shifts toward the 2028 elections. Campaigns are increasingly fought not only through traditional platforms but also in the digital arena, where narratives can be manufactured, amplified, and manipulated within hours. Voters who possess a firm grasp of history are less vulnerable to propaganda, personality cults, and simplistic promises. They are better able to judge leaders by their record, competence, integrity, and commitment to democratic institutions rather than by carefully crafted online personas.

The challenge before the nation is therefore not simply to commemorate history but to make it accessible and meaningful. Schools must emphasize critical thinking alongside historical knowledge. Government agencies, museums, libraries, and archives should continue modernizing access to historical resources. The media must remain steadfast in fact-checking and contextual reporting. Families and communities, too, play a vital role by passing on stories of sacrifice, resilience, and civic responsibility that shape national identity.

National History Month reminds us that the past is never truly behind us. It continues to inform the choices we make, the values we uphold, and the future we seek to build. In an age of disinformation, geopolitical uncertainty, and heightened political rivalry, history serves as our moral compass. By safeguarding historical truth and nurturing an informed citizenry, Filipinos strengthen not only their appreciation of the past but also the foundations of democracy, national sovereignty, and shared prosperity.

Electricity doesn't fall free from heaven

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Aug 1, 2026 12:05 am

A former Cabinet official likes to remind listeners of an unyielding truth: “Nothing comes free from heaven, and everything is a trade-off.”

It is a principle that populist politics regularly tries to sidestep. For decades, a political culture built on sweeping promises has fed the illusion that basic costs can simply be legislated away. In Congress, pending bills routinely propose consumer relief without ever identifying where the funding will come from.

The latest crowd-pleasing soundbite came during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), when he called for an immediate amendment to the 25-year-old Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) to ban utilities from passing “system loss” charges onto consumers.

The logic feels appealing—nobody wants to pay for power they did not use. But recovering the cost of electricity loss is standard practice worldwide, even if calculation methods and billing displays vary by country. Crucially, energy distribution operates under the laws of physics, not legislative decree.

When electricity travels across copper wires, natural resistance converts a portion of that energy into heat. Even ultra-modern power grids in Singapore and South Korea experience these unavoidable “technical losses.” Combine that physical reality with “non-technical losses”—power theft through illegal jumper cables, defective meters, and administrative errors—and you get total system loss. Erasing that loss entirely is a physical impossibility.

Energy stakeholders have voiced support for reviewing EPIRA, but they caution against cutting system loss charges without a clear plan to recover those costs. The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), the country’s largest utility, noted that while it keeps its charges around five percent—well below the Energy Regulatory Commission's (ERC) 5.5 percent cap for private utilities—some level of technical loss remains inherent in operating any grid.

The real crisis looms in the provinces. The Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association (Philreca), representing 121 electric cooperatives, warned that losses on rural networks stem from thermodynamics and sprawling terrain rather than poor management. While the ERC caps co-op losses at 8.25 percent, the Department of Energy (DOE) noted that some inefficient cooperatives suffer losses as high as 16 percent. Outlawing loss recovery without state subsidies, Philreca warned, will simply drive non-profit co-ops into bankruptcy.

If rural distributors fail, state entities like the National Power Corp. will have to step in to keep regional grids running. Taxpayers would ultimately fund government bailouts and loan guarantees, while the treasury forfeits the value-added tax (VAT) revenue currently collected on those billing lines.

Government agencies are now scrambling to figure out how to handle the proposed ban. The ERC emphasized that any reduction in system loss caps must be grounded in technical reality rather than arbitrary mandates, asking whether utilities are actually ready to absorb the hit without compromising operations. Instead of an outright ban, Philreca has urged Congress to adopt a performance-driven transition model with customized, feeder-specific caps, paired with government funding for grid upgrades and anti-pilferage enforcement.

To cushion the policy shift, the DOE noted that the agency and the National Electrification Administration are evaluating soft loans to help co-ops modernize. Yet financing grid upgrades through state-backed loans merely shuffles the bill from one government account to another.

As Meralco's chairman pointed out, nature is commanded only by obeying its laws. Moving electricity creates resistance, resistance creates loss, and someone has to absorb that cost. Shifting tens of billions of pesos in losses onto power producers and distributors threatens the stability of the entire energy sector.

Pretending that technical line loss is merely corporate greed makes for great political theater, but terrible economic policy. Outlawing the laws of physics will not lower the cost of living; it only ensures that citizens pay a much steeper price when the grid goes dark.

Collects fish of every kind

 

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Jul 30, 2026 12:02 am | Updated Jul 29, 2026 03:42 pm

REFLECTIONS TODAY

What is striking about the parable of the dragnet as a metaphor for the Kingdom is that it does not simply “catch” the good fish, but also the bad or undesirable ones. The net catches all sorts of fish and non-fish in the process.

This implies that the Kingdom is offered to everyone, both good and bad. Which reminds us of Jesus’ pointing to the sun and the rain which shines or falls upon everyone, both good and bad.

However, while on the one hand, the Kingdom welcomes everyone, the parable also warns of the day of “sorting out,” of separating between the good fish and bad fish, or the fish and the non-fish, like weeds, pieces of wood, garbage, etc.

This hides, therefore, an invitation to reflect on what kind of “fish” we are, or what kind of life we are living.

At the same time, it should also awaken us to the fact that in this world we need to know how to navigate in the sea where bad fish also abound or co-exist with us.

Nowadays, the call and desire for inclusivity is very strong—which is a good thing.

But this does not mean eliminating discernment or attentiveness as we relate with various types of people.

At the same time, we also have the responsibility to be good examples so that more “good” fish can be sorted out for the Kingdom.

First Reading • Jer 18:1-6

This word came to Jeremiah from the Lord: Rise up, be off to the potter’s house; there I will give you my message.

I went down to the potter’s house and there he was, working at the wheel.

Whenever the object of clay which he was making turned out badly in his hand, he tried again, making of the clay another object of whatever sort he pleased.

Then the word of the Lord came to me: Can I not do to you, house of Israel, as this potter has done? says the Lord. Indeed, like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, house of Israel.

Responsorial Psalm • Ps 146

“Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob.” or “Alleluia.”

Gospel • Matthew 13:47-53

Jesus said to the disciples: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind.

“When it is full they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad they throw away.

“Thus it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.”

“Do you understand all these things?” They answered, “Yes.”

And he replied, “Then every scribe who has been instructed in the Kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old.”

When Jesus finished these parables, he went away from there.

Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2026,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: publishing@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

Bold tax relief unveiled, but where's the fiscal plan?

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Jul 29, 2026 12:05 am | Updated Jul 28, 2026 04:16 pm

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. deserves credit for placing tax relief at the heart of his administration's final two years. At a time when Filipino families continue to grapple with rising prices, geopolitical uncertainty triggered by the Middle East crisis, and slowing global growth, his proposal to ease the tax burden on workers and small businesses reflects both compassion and economic pragmatism.

The package is ambitious. It seeks to raise the personal income tax exemption from ₱250,000 to ₱350,000, exempt qualified small enterprises from corporate income tax, and grant a broad tax amnesty covering unpaid estate, income, donor's and value-added taxes, including associated penalties. These proposals, announced by President Marcos and subject to congressional approval, have the potential to put more money into the hands of ordinary Filipinos while giving struggling entrepreneurs much-needed breathing space.

The proposed increase in the income tax exemption alone could save a taxpayer earning exactly ₱350,000 in taxable income as much as ₱15,000 annually under the current tax schedule. That is money that could instead be spent on food, education, transportation or savings—precisely the kind of consumption that fuels domestic economic activity. Likewise, freeing qualified small businesses from corporate income tax could strengthen enterprises that generate the bulk of Philippine employment.

These are bold ideas deserving serious consideration.

Yet boldness alone does not balance fiscal health.

The missing piece in the President's announcement is an equally compelling roadmap for replacing the government's foregone revenues. Every peso of tax relief is a peso unavailable for infrastructure, healthcare, education, disaster preparedness and debt servicing unless offset by stronger collections, higher economic growth or disciplined spending.

The President has effectively entrusted Congress with designing the legislation that will make these reforms fiscally sustainable. That is both constitutionally appropriate and politically challenging. Under the National Internal Revenue Code, Congress—not Malacañang—must amend income tax brackets and enact permanent tax changes. The responsibility now shifts to lawmakers and the government’s economic managers to ensure that generosity today does not become a fiscal burden tomorrow.

Congress must therefore resist the temptation to view tax relief as an isolated political victory. It should instead package these reforms with equally robust revenue-enhancing measures. These may include intensifying the Bureau of Internal Revenue's digital transformation, expanding electronic invoicing, aggressively combating tax evasion and smuggling, rationalizing fiscal incentives, and improving collection efficiency before considering new taxes. The Department of Finance must likewise continue pursuing prudent expenditure management so that every public peso delivers measurable value.

The private sector also has a decisive role. Businesses benefiting from lower taxes should channel the savings into expansion, innovation, higher productivity and job creation rather than simply improving balance sheets. Responsible corporate citizenship means recognizing that tax relief is an investment by society, one that should yield broader economic gains.

Individual Filipinos, too, share responsibility. Paying taxes honestly, demanding accountability in government spending, supporting local enterprises and participating actively in the formal economy are indispensable contributions to fiscal stability. A stronger tax culture begins not only with fairer laws but with greater public trust that taxes are collected efficiently and spent wisely.

President Marcos has opened an important national conversation. His tax reform agenda recognizes that economic recovery must begin with people whose purchasing power has been eroded by inflation and uncertainty. That vision deserves applause. But compassion must always be paired with credible fiscal discipline.

Leadership is measured not only by the courage to give relief, but by the wisdom to sustain it. And the real measure of this reform will not be how much tax is reduced, but whether the Philippines emerges with stronger businesses, more resilient public finances and greater confidence in its institutions.