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01/06/2026

Jinggoy, Bonoan face plunder, graft raps

Non-bailable plunder and graft charges were filed on Thursday before the Sandiganbayan against Jinggoy Estrada and former Public Works secretary Manuel Bonoan in connection with the alleged multibillion-peso flood control scandal.

Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said the cases stemmed from “illicit” payouts amounting to ₱573 million allegedly tied to infrastructure projects.

Also charged were three engineers from the Department of Public Works and Highways-National Capital Region.

“Our evaluation shows that substantial public funds were deliberately funnelled into designated infrastructure projects in exchange for predetermined commission fees or kickbacks,” Clavano said during a press briefing.

He said the filing of charges followed an extensive probe conducted by the Department of Justice and the National Bureau of Investigation.

According to Clavano, the Office of the Ombudsman recommended that no bail be granted to the respondents and would also pursue a hold departure order against them.

Originally included in the complaint were former DPWH Undersecretary Cathy Cabral, former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, former NCR Regional Director Gerard Opulencia and former Bulacan First District Engineer Henry Alcantara.

Cabral, however, was removed from the case following her death, while Bernardo, Opulencia and Alcantara were excluded after applying to become state witnesses.

In a separate statement, Estrada questioned the speed by which the plunder and graft complaints were elevated to the Sandiganbayan, claiming the process violated his right to due process.

“We will exhaust all legal remedies,” Estrada said.

The senator argued that the Ombudsman filed the cases only days after the DOJ released its resolution, allegedly without conducting an independent and thorough review despite earlier assurances of a separate evaluation.

Estrada also said his camp would challenge what he described as procedural irregularities, including the alleged failure of investigators to properly consider evidence favorable to him.

Among these, he cited a letter from the Senate Legislative Budget Research and Monitoring Office stating there was no record that he inserted projects into the 2025 national budget.

He maintained that the document directly contradicted the accusations against him but was supposedly ignored during the investigation.

Estrada further claimed he was not given sufficient opportunity to review the resolutions issued by the DOJ and Ombudsman before the filing of charges.

“Ang ganitong labis at hindi makatuwirang proseso ay may seryosong implikasyon sa aking right to due process,” he said.

https://marketmonitor.com.ph/jinggoy-bonoan-face-plunder-graft-raps/

01/06/2026

Chinese firm to open ₱56-B steel plant in Sarangani

A Chinese steel manufacturer is set to begin operations next month in Sarangani as part of a multibillion-dollar investment expansion in the Philippines, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said the Panhua Integrated Steel facility of Panhua Group in Barangay Kamanga, Maasim, Sarangani will produce metal sheets and generate about 4,000 jobs for local workers once fully operational.

The facility, located inside the Kamanga Agro-Industrial Ecozone, represents the first phase of the company’s broader expansion program in the country following discussions between Roque and Panhua officials during her recent trip to Suzhou, China.

Panhua registered its investment project with the Board of Investments around three years ago, while the expansion plan was first announced in 2024. At the time, it was considered the biggest foreign direct investment secured under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr..

“They’re very bullish in the Philippines and they’re so big in China. They’re planning to investment a total of US$3.5 billion in the Philippines,” Roque said on the sidelines of the DTI’s e-transport loan awarding event in Makati City.

Apart from steel manufacturing, the company is also studying the possibility of venturing into tea production in the Philippines. TRACY CBRERA

https://marketmonitor.com.ph/chinese-firm-to-open-p56-b-steel-plant-in-sarangani/

01/06/2026

House backs universal pension plan

Leaders of the House of Representatives are moving closer to institutionalizing a proposed universal social pension program for senior citizens following the endorsement of the measure by House Speaker Faustino Dy III.

Dy voiced support for House Bill 10423, which seeks to amend the Expanded Senior Citizens Act and provide broader financial assistance to elderly Filipinos regardless of income status.

During the turnover ceremony for the initial batch of signatures gathered under the “Twelve Million Signatures for the Elderly” campaign, the House leader said the government carries a moral duty to protect senior citizens who devoted much of their lives to their families and the country.

“I believe that true service begins with listening, understanding, compassion and love,” Dy told senior citizens’ groups, lawmakers and advocates supporting the pension proposal.

“We should not see our elderly merely as statistics, but as parents, grandparents, and Filipinos who spent their entire lives sacrificing for their families and our nation,” he added.

At present, the government’s Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens program grants ₱1,000 monthly assistance only to qualified indigent elderly beneficiaries.

However, seniors already receiving pensions or other forms of financial aid are excluded from the existing program.

Dy stressed that the proposed Universal Social Pension should not merely be viewed as financial assistance but also as recognition of the contributions and dignity of elderly Filipinos.

“That is why the Universal Social Pension is not simply about assistance—it is about dignity, gratitude, and compassion,” he said.

“Given the costs of medicine, food, and health care, our seniors must be provided support to help them afford their basic needs.”

The Speaker also emphasized the responsibility of both government and society to care for vulnerable sectors, especially the elderly.

“Let us always remember the true measure of a nation is how it cares for its most vulnerable citizens,” Dy said.

Meanwhile, Milagros Aquino-Magsaysay thanked the House leadership for backing the proposal as millions of signatures gathered nationwide were formally turned over.

Aquino-Magsaysay, who chairs the House Committee on Senior Citizens, urged Congress to strengthen social protection and economic security programs for elderly Filipinos.

Dy described the signature drive as proof of growing public support for stronger government action benefiting senior citizens.

“We salute everyone who took part in the ‘Twelve Million Signatures for the Elderly’. Your support is proof that many Filipinos believe it is time to further strengthen care for our senior citizens,” he said.

“You have shown that genuine compassion, when accompanied by real action, can move a nation to do what is right for those who have spent their lives caring for others.”

The House leader assured senior citizens that lawmakers would continue pushing for measures aimed at easing their financial burden and improving their quality of life.

“You can expect that we will continue to support the right measures that will ease and improve their lives because this is humane and just,” Dy said.

“This is also our way of somehow expressing our gratitude to our senior citizens for their contributions to every Filipino family and to our country.”

https://marketmonitor.com.ph/house-backs-universal-pension-plan/

01/06/2026

Japan expands defense ties with Phl

Japan has pledged to strengthen its defense cooperation with the Philippines through the transfer of military equipment and technology.

The commitment was made following the summit meeting between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo on Thursday.

In a joint statement, the two leaders agreed to expand cooperation on the transfer of defense equipment. These include destroyers, TC-90 aircraft and radar systems.

The initiative falls under the Agreement concerning the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology and Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA) program.

Takaichi reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to help enhance the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), especially in the maritime sector.

Marcos and Takaichi also vowed to deepen defense cooperation to support industrial development, improve supply chain resilience and strengthen long-term defense readiness.

The Philippines welcomed Japan’s revised Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology and its implementation guidelines.

The two leaders said closer coordination between their defense authorities in recent years has created “a robust foundation for their bilateral partnership.”

They also agreed to hold the next Philippines-Japan “2+2” Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting at the soonest possible time.

On maritime cooperation, the two leaders stressed the importance of stronger collaboration between the two countries, which they described as “neighbors connected by the sea.”

They said respect for international law is essential in promoting peace, stability and mutual trust in the region.

Marcos also thanked Japan for helping improve the capabilities of the Philippine Coast Guard through the provision of patrol ships.

The Philippines and Japan also committed to expand exchanges between their maritime law enforcement agencies. This includes joint training and capacity-building activities to promote maritime safety and uphold the rule of law in the Indo-Pacific region.

The two leaders also emphasized the need to uphold freedom of navigation and overflight, lawful use of the seas and the peaceful settlement of disputes in line with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

They expressed “serious concern” over developments in the East China Sea and South China Sea.

At the same time, they reiterated their “strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the peacefully established status quo by force or coercion.”

Marcos and Takaichi also reaffirmed their support for the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award.

“The two leaders reiterated their support for the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, which is final and legally binding on the parties to the dispute,” the joint statement read.

“Noting that 10 years have passed since the issuance of the Award, the two leaders reaffirmed the importance of international law and compliance of the parties to the dispute with decisions and rulings duly-rendered through compulsory dispute settlement mechanisms under UNCLOS.”

The two leaders also cited the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and resolving cross-Strait issues through peaceful dialogue.

https://marketmonitor.com.ph/japan-expands-defense-ties-with-phl/

01/06/2026

LEC to become ‘world-class eco hub’

The Philippines and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to transform the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) into a “world-class economic hub” aimed at boosting regional growth and strengthening global supply chains.

The commitment was made following the summit meeting between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo on Thursday.

In a joint statement, the two leaders pledged to deepen cooperation on key infrastructure and economic projects under the LEC framework.

Priority projects include rail and port modernization, clean energy, semiconductor supply chains, digital connectivity, agribusiness and civilian port upgrades.

“They also reaffirmed their strong commitment to transforming the LEC into a world-class economic hub that strengthens global supply chains, accelerates economic development, and delivers mutual economic prosperity,” the joint statement read.

The LEC is a trilateral initiative involving the Philippines, Japan and the United States. It aims to improve connectivity and economic growth along the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas corridor.

The Philippines and Japan also highlighted the importance of trilateral cooperation with the United States and coordination with partners such as Australia and India in promoting a “free and open” international order based on the rule of law.

The two leaders stressed that stronger infrastructure connectivity and resilience, supported by Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA), are vital to both economic growth and regional stability.

Japan also reaffirmed its support for “high-quality, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure development” in the Philippines.

The two countries agreed to deepen cooperation in economic security, particularly in strengthening resilient and diversified supply chains.

Key areas include critical minerals, renewable energy, automotive manufacturing and advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).

The Philippines and Japan also committed to enhance cooperation on digital infrastructure, including undersea cables and 5G Open RAN technologies.

They also vowed to promote secure and trustworthy AI ecosystems through the Japan-ASEAN Co-creation Initiative for AI.

On trade and investments, both sides underscored the importance of fully implementing existing agreements. These include the Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

Japan also expressed support for the Philippines’ planned accession to the Comprehensive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

In the energy sector, the two leaders agreed to expand cooperation under the Asia Zero Emission Community.

The cooperation covers liquefied natural gas, offshore wind and civilian nuclear energy, subject to developments on the Philippine side.

https://marketmonitor.com.ph/lec-to-become-world-class-eco-hub/

01/06/2026

PLDT eyes solar bundles

Telecommunications firm PLDT is planning to offer solar power solutions bundled with its internet services as part of efforts to help households reduce electricity costs.

In a statement released Thursday, PLDT said it is exploring a partnership with a solar energy provider to combine high-speed internet connectivity with renewable energy systems.

The company said the initiative aims to help customers stay connected while improving energy efficiency at home.

“Initial test marketing activities have generated highly promising results, with strong consumer interest in an integrated digital and energy solution that offers both convenience and long-term savings,” PLDT said.

The company noted that the proposed setup would allow subscribers to access solar infrastructure through affordable monthly payments spread over several years.

PLDT said this arrangement could significantly reduce upfront costs and make solar energy more accessible to Filipino households.

PLDT Chief Operating Officer Butch Jimenez said combining internet connectivity with solar power installation could make homes more future-ready.

“If people can have solar panels installed together with internet in one go, it should be very compelling for our customers,” Jimenez said.

PLDT Home head John Palanca said the planned service expansion would allow the company to provide more comprehensive home solutions.

“This also helps PLDT own the whole home, and not just the internet portion. We're excited to announce the full details soon,” Palanca said.

https://marketmonitor.com.ph/pldt-eyes-solar-bundles/

01/06/2026

Japan firm plans ₱4.3-B Laguna expansion

A major Japanese cable and electronics manufacturer is planning a ₱4.3-billion expansion in Laguna, a move expected to strengthen the Philippines’ position in the global electronics supply chain.

The proposal was discussed during the meeting between Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and executives of Sumitomo Electric Industries in Tokyo, Japan, as part of the President’s official state visit.

In a Facebook post, Marcos said the investment would mean more jobs and stronger participation in future-driven industries.

“A ₱4.3 million investment in advanced electronics manufacturing means more high-quality jobs and a stronger role for the Philippines in the industries shaping the future,” he said.

The project is expected to generate around 300 jobs for Filipino workers while supporting export-oriented growth and advanced manufacturing.

According to the Presidential Communications Office, the expansion includes a new facility for flexible printed circuits (FPCs) and Surface Mount Technology (SMT) assembly products—key components in modern electronics.

The project is also seen to boost the country’s role in electric vehicles, artificial intelligence-related electronics, and advanced telecommunications.

“Global technology companies continue to place their confidence in the Filipino workforce,” the PCO said.

It added that “the expansion is expected to strengthen the Philippines’ role in global electronics and advanced industrial supply chains amid growing demand for electric vehicles, AI-related electronics, and advanced telecommunications equipment.”

First Sumiden Circuits Inc., a subsidiary of SEI, operates the country’s only flexible printed circuit manufacturing plant.

Located at the Light Industry and Science Park I in Cabuyao, it produces flexible printed circuits used in phones, computers, cameras, and printers.

The company started operations in 1996 and expanded the following year to include circuit-making processes. It was formed as a joint venture between SEI, First Philippine Holdings Corporation, and Sumitomo Corporation.

Sumitomo Electric Industries later assumed full ownership in 2011.

The Marcos administration continues to push for higher-value foreign investments, aiming to position the Philippines as a competitive hub for advanced manufacturing and technology-driven industries.

https://marketmonitor.com.ph/japan-firm-plans-p4-3-b-laguna-expansion/

01/06/2026

GSIS now has more mall service hubs

Government workers and pensioners now have easier access to services as the Government Service Insurance System expands its Ginhawa Service Hubs to more malls in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

The new mall-based service points aim to bring pension, loan, and claims assistance closer to members who may have difficulty visiting GSIS branch offices.

GSIS President and General Manager Wick Veloso said the move is part of efforts to improve convenience and accessibility.

“Mas pinalalapit natin ang serbisyo ng GSIS sa ating mga miyembro at pensioner. Sa pamamagitan ng ating Ginhawa Service Hubs sa mga mall, mas nagiging accessible, maginhawa, at mabilis ang kanilang transaksyon,” Veloso said.

He added that the initiative helps reduce travel time while improving service delivery for members and pensioners.

“Hindi na kailangang bumiyahe nang malayo ng ating mga miyembro at pensyonado para sa kanilang mga pangangailangan sa GSIS. Dinadala natin ang serbisyo kung nasaan ang tao,” he said.

The Ginhawa Service Hubs are located in key commercial centers: Festival Mall in Alabang, Robinsons Galleria in Ortigas, Robinsons Novaliches, Robinsons Place Dasmariñas, and SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

Through these hubs, members can seek assistance for GSIS Touch app registration, Annual Pensioners Information Revalidation, loan and claims inquiries, document submission, housing applications, insurance concerns, and status checking of benefits.

The program also supports GSIS’ digital push by guiding members toward the GSIS Touch mobile app while still providing face-to-face assistance in high-traffic areas.

GSIS said service schedules and available transactions may vary per location. Members and pensioners are advised to check official advisories for updates on operating hours and services.

https://marketmonitor.com.ph/gsis-now-has-more-mall-service-hubs/

01/06/2026

Senate urged: ‘Focus on impeachment trial, not parallel probes’

Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre on Thursday urged the Senate to concentrate on its role as an impeachment court instead of reopening separate investigations that could distract from the trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte.

Acidre, chair of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education, said renewed Senate hearings on the flood-control controversy risk blurring issues and pulling attention away from the impeachment proceedings.

“To be honest, I would rather that the Ombudsman be allowed to continue with this investigation. The proper forum for this point, after all the investigations have been made, now belongs to the courts,” he said in a televised interview.

He noted that cases have already been filed and are now moving through the proper legal channels.

“Cases have been filed. They have started to file cases against certain individuals,” Acidre said. “So, let’s allow the Ombudsman to do his job.”

For Acidre, the priority should be allowing evidence to surface through proper processes rather than reopening political inquiries in the Senate while it prepares for its constitutional duty.

“But I would rather that we allow the process to continue on the basis of evidence. The same discipline, and the same due process that we’re also giving to the Vice President in the impeachment trial,” he said.

He warned that multiple parallel inquiries could scatter public attention and weaken focus on accountability.

“Remember, accountability cannot be done with shortcuts. Shortcuts will only serve as distractions. Shortcuts will only muddle the issue,” he said.

Acidre stressed that the Senate should instead prepare for its role as an impeachment court.

“I would rather that they focus their energies on the role as senator-judges. Because only the Senate has the power to either acquit or convict the Vice President in an impeachment trial,” he added.

https://marketmonitor.com.ph/senate-urged-focus-on-impeachment-trial-not-parallel-probes/

01/06/2026

PNP orders airtight case vs ‘Bato’ escape network

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has directed investigators to build what it called an “airtight” criminal case against individuals allegedly involved in helping Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa evade arrest tied to a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The order came after findings from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), which reviewed the events of May 14 when Dela Rosa reportedly left Senate protective custody amid a chaotic incident inside the premises.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said investigators are now looking beyond a single individual and examining a wider network of alleged participants.

“We are looking at several individuals – including the drivers, security escorts, and owners of the backup vehicles involved in trailing them – who actively participated in this incident,” Nartatez said.

He warned that anyone who helped evade arrest could face legal consequences.

“Let this be a clear warning: there will always be legal consequences when you choose to interfere with law enforcement and assist a person in evading arrest, regardless of your status,” he added.

Police said the probe includes vehicle tracking, ownership records, and coordination with transport agencies to map out movements linked to the incident.

Authorities also addressed criticisms that public updates and high-profile operations may have affected the pursuit. Nartatez insisted police operations remained secure and professional.

“The PNP operates transparently, but we never compromise operational security or give advance notice to individuals facing arrest,” he said.

CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert AA Morico II, in a press briefing at Camp Crame, said investigators are working off CCTV footage, witness accounts, and other evidence already submitted to the Department of Justice.

“Let me just say that, you know, there were two incidents. They are related. But the investigation is already with the DOJ, and I don’t want to preempt the findings of the Department of Justice,” Morico said.

He confirmed that reports and recommendations for legal action have been submitted, including obstruction of justice cases against Senator Robinhood Padilla and five others.

“You can see her there in the CCTV footage. She is the one wearing a bulletproof vest,” he said, referring to one of the individuals under scrutiny.

Morico said the evidence suggests the incident was not accidental.

“It was not incidental. It was not merely a hitchhiking incident. It was well-planned and well-coordinated because there was even a backup vehicle,” he said.

He added that the CIDG is now leaving final legal determinations to the DOJ while continuing to provide support.

“We investigated both the Senate shooting and the escape. As for drawing conclusions, we have already turned over the case to the Department of Justice,” Morico said.

Meanwhile, authorities confirmed that Dela Rosa’s fi****ms license has been revoked, along with orders covering 117 fi****ms registered under his name, which are subject to confiscation or surrender under Republic Act 10591.

https://marketmonitor.com.ph/pnp-orders-airtight-case-vs-bato-escape-network/

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