As households brace for another uptick in electricity bills this April, senatorial aspirant and former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos has reiterated his call to abolish the value-added tax (VAT) on electricity and taxes on fuel exclusively used for power generation. In a recent radio interview, Abalos criticized what he described as “layered and excessive taxation” that has long made Philippine electricity among the most expensive in Southeast Asia. “Due to this increase, it gets harder for ordinary families to keep the lights on,” Abalos said. “Twenty years ago, when I was a congressman, electricity had no VAT. I opposed it then, and I’m standing by that position now.” The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) recently announced a rate increase of P0.72 per kilowatt-hour for April, translating to an estimated P145 jump in monthly bills for households consuming 200 kWh. Abalos said there are VAT at each stage of power delivery. “You have 12% VAT on generation, 12% on distribution, 12% on transmission—and then there’s system loss passed on to consumers. How can any country thrive like this?” he asked. He warned that such high operating costs are driving investors away and crippling local industries. “Maraming negosyo na umalis sa atin, pumunta sa ibang lugar dahil mas mura ang kuryente. Eh ang gagaling ng mga Pilipino, ng mga labor natin dito—very skilled,” he said. “We have world-class Filipino talent, but we’re losing jobs because it’s too expensive to operate here.” To address the problem, Abalos is proposing the remove the VAT on electricity. “Ito na lang isipin natin, bakit tayo nagtatax? Para magkaroon ng pera ang gobyerno. Let’s look at it na pwede nating bawasan ito, tanggalin ito. Siguradong dadami ang negosyo,” he added. He also said the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001 was supposed to liberalize and reduce costs in the power sector but it did not address the issue that the power sector is overtaxed, one of the main factors in the country’s high electricity cost – the second highest in Southeast Asia. Abalos vowed to prioritize energy reform if elected to the Senate, including the removal of VAT on electricity and the reduction of taxes on fuel used solely for power generation. “This will be one of my first bills. Lowering energy costs will spur more businesses, more jobs, and better lives for Filipinos,” he said. Abalos also called for more support for renewable energy, citing the country’s abundant yet underutilized natural resources. “Right now, we’re only using 18 to 21 percent renewables. In Nordic countries, it’s over 50 percent—and it’s cheaper. We should invest more in renewable energy,” he said. Abalos also called for more support for renewable energy, citing the country’s abundant yet underutilized natural resources. “Right now, we’re only using 18 to 21 percent renewables. In Nordic countries, it’s over 50 percent—and it’s cheaper. We should invest more in renewable energy,” he said. He noted that the Philippines, as an archipelago, is well-positioned to harness wind, wave, solar, and hydro power, but continues to rely on imported fossil fuels. “Halos buong taon tayong may sikat ng araw. May mga baybayin at kabundukan tayo na perpekto para sa wind at hydro power. Meron nang teknolohiya para sa wave energy na ginagamit na sa ibang bansa. Pero hanggang ngayon, umaasa pa rin tayo sa fossil fuel at langis,” Abalos said. For Abalos, the shift to renewables is not just an environmental necessity but a long-term economic solution. “Investing in renewable energy means reducing our exposure to global fuel price shocks, making electricity more affordable, and creating green jobs in our rural and coastal areas,” he said.

The nation is draped in black with the passing of its brightest star. The entire country mourns as the final curtain falls on a National Artist — a towering icon in the history of Philippine film and television. Nora Aunor was never just a phenomenal actress. She was the voice of the voiceless, the face of the everyday Filipino, and the soul of a nation in search of truth, justice, and identity. Her artistry didn’t merely grace the screen — it challenged it, elevated it, and transformed it. Through decades of unforgettable performances, she pierced through generations, inspired cultural awakening, and forever changed the landscape of Philippine cinema. I had the profound honor of working with Nora during one of the most defining moments in both our lives — the creation of Himala under the Experimental Cinema of the Philippines. As Director-General, I witnessed the depth of her commitment and the brilliance of her craft. Her portrayal in Himala remains, to this day, not just one of the most powerful in Asian cinematic history, but a spiritual and cultural mirror held up to the Filipino soul. Nora was never merely an artista — she was a force of nature. A woman of quiet strength, fearless choices, and authenticity. In an industry that often favored glamour over grit, she stood firm, choosing roles that told the stories of the poor, the marginalized, the forgotten — and in doing so, rendered them unforgettable. She could turn silence into poetry, stillness into tension, and pain into grace that lingered long after the screen faded to black. As we bid farewell to a legend, we remember not just the superstar, but the storyteller. The truth-teller. The miracle-worker. Maraming salamat, Guy. Paalam. Hindi totoo na walang Himala — sapagkat ikaw mismo ang himala. Sa bawat pelikula, sa bawat entablado, sa bawat pusong iyong inantig — tunay kang milagro ng sining at ng sambayanang Pilipino. Senator Imee R. Marcos

MANILA — The United States government, through the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) International Counterproliferation Program (ICP), hosted a maritime security training to enhance Philippine government’s efforts to counter the maritime trafficking of hazardous chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) materials last Manila, March 24 to 28,2025. During the Targeting and Risk Management Workshop held in Manila, DTRA experts and Filipino facilitators from the Philippine Office for Transportation Security (OTS) trained 35 representatives from various Philippine government agencies in identifying, targeting, and interdicting illicit vessels and cargoes that traffic hazardous components of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in different maritime domains.  It also included “train-the-trainer” activities to sustain the agencies’ efforts in identifying maritime security operational and doctrinal gaps. Participants included representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry’s Strategic Trade Management Office, Department of Transportation’s OTS, Bureau of Customs, Philippine Ports Authority, Maritime Industry Authority, Presidential Office for Maritime Concerns, Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Navy, and Philippine National Police Maritime Group. In his remarks, Director Jose S. Embang, Jr. of the CBRN office of the Philippines’ Anti-Terrorism Council Program Management Center (ATC-PMC) thanked DTRA for its support in helping the Philippines refine its tracking methods and response procedures for potentially hazardous unauthorized materials discovered at seaports.  He added that these efforts contribute to national and global security. “We value our longstanding partnership with ATC-PMC and their unwavering efforts to strengthen Philippine CBRN policy and legislation. We anticipate continued engagement with ATC-PMC, the National Maritime Center, and the Philippine interagency in support of initiatives that reinforce the ironclad commitment between our two countries,” said Nicholas DeDominici, Chief of DTRA at the U.S. Embassy in Manila. The workshop is part of DTRA’s efforts to help strengthen interagency cooperation within Philippine government agencies; improve their capabilities to counter WMD proliferation and respond timely and effectively to maritime security incidents.; and strengthen U.S.-Philippine cooperation in support of a secure, prosperous, free, and open Indo-Pacific.      

Converge ICT Solutions Inc., the Philippines’ leading fiber broadband and technology solutions provider, has further strengthened its presence in Iloilo by collaborating with Central Philippine University (CPU) to elevate the educational experience through world-class connectivity and technological innovation. Founded in 1905, Central Philippine University (CPU) is one of the premier academic institutions in the Visayas region, renowned for its distinguished programs in engineering, business, health sciences, and education. The university seamlessly combines academic excellence with Christian principles, fostering the intellectual, moral, and spiritual development of its students. With a steadfast commitment to strengthening faith and advancing scholarship, research, and community service, CPU continues to cultivate future leaders equipped to make a meaningful impact in their fields and in society. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the Iloilo expansion of Converge, as it provides Central Philippine University students and faculty with world-class digital infrastructure. By providing high-speed fiber broadband, Converge is empowering the CPU community in an increasingly digital landscape, supporting both academic and personal development. “At Converge, we are committed to empowering educational institutions like Central Philippine University with the digital tools they need to thrive. As a key province in our digital development strategy, Iloilo plays a crucial role in our mission to provide reliable, high-speed fiber connectivity and innovative technology solutions. By equipping universities with the necessary digital infrastructure, we ensure they remain leaders in shaping the future of education in a rapidly advancing landscape,” said Converge Assistant Vice President & Head of Enterprise VisMin, Maria Asuncion Canen. By harnessing Converge’s leadership in fiber broadband and world-class technology, CPU is strategically positioned to incorporate cutting-edge innovations such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), thereby advancing both the academic experience and future opportunities. Dr. Ernest Howard Dagohoy, President of Central Philippine University, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration: “We are thrilled to work with Converge, a company that shares our vision for innovation and our commitment to the future of education. This initiative will support our ongoing efforts to provide our students with an education that integrates the best of technology and Christian values, empowering them to become leaders and innovators.” The alliance strengthens CPU’s ongoing pursuit of academic excellence and innovation, ensuring the university can effectively meet the evolving needs of its students and faculty. With the robust digital infrastructure of Converge, CPU enhances its operational efficiency and creates a more dynamic learning environment. Together, Converge and CPU are shaping the future of education, equipping students and faculty with the digital tools to succeed in a technology-driven world.

As a company dedicated to environmental responsibility, Globe played a key role in GSMA Intelligence’s (GSMAi) Green Network Index (GNI) study, a pioneering initiative establishing new industry benchmarks for network sustainability. Globe is one of only six telecom companies worldwide to participate in the inaugural project, proving its dedication to leading environmental sustainability efforts by actively engaging in research that drives greener networks and reduces greenhouse gas emissions in the industry. “We recognize the importance of collaboration in shaping a more sustainable telecom sector. Our contribution to the GNI study reflects our commitment to integrating sustainable practices that strengthen both our industry and our journey toward Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer. Apple Evangelista, Globe’s Head of Sustainability and Social Responsibility, added: “Through the GNI, we are gaining valuable insights that will help us refine our approach to energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, and overall network sustainability.” Global support for greener telecom networks is growing. A majority of telecom operators, representing 70% of the industry’s revenues, have already aligned their commitments with the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) to reduce GHG emissions. This was driven by rising energy costs, which account for 15-20% of a telco’s operational expenditures, emphasizing the need for energy efficiency. Moreover, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting is gaining traction among credit-rating agencies and financial analysts, making a standardized metric for assessing sustainability across different geographies and network technologies essential. In response, GSMAi developed the GNI, which consolidates various factors into a single comprehensive figure to improve comparability across telecom operators and guide companies in their green evolution. “Tracking progress on mobile network operators’ energy sustainability is critical in driving meaningful change. Our Green Network Index helps operators to achieve that goal by enabling them to make informed decisions that support a greener, more sustainable future,” said Tim Hatt, Head of Research, GSMA Intelligence. The GNI builds on GSMAi’s previous energy efficiency analysis and expands it into a system-wide index that considers energy and carbon efficiency, renewable energy usage, performance and availability, and vertical enablement. By actively supporting GSMAi’s sustainability research and initiatives, Globe drives positive change in the telecom industry and strengthens its leadership in green network innovation. The first round of the GNI Study can be downloaded on GSMAi’s website after registering for a free public account. This can be accessed through the following link: https://www.gsmaintelligence.com/research/green-networks-index-round-one        

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has released the schedule of filing of corporations’ annual financial statements (AFS) and general information sheets (GIS) for this year. The Commission on March 3 issued SEC Memorandum Circular No. 1, Series of 2025, which provides for the 2025 Filing of Annual Financial Statements and General Information Sheet. Stock and nonstock corporations with total assets or total liabilities of at least P600,000 are required to submit annual audited financial statements. Branch offices or representatives of stock and nonstock foreign corporations with assigned capital or total assets, respectively, of at least P1 million, as well as regional operating headquarters of foreign corporations with total revenues of P1 million or more are also required to submit audited financial statements. Corporations, which do not meet the aforementioned threshold, may submit their AFS duly certified by their treasurer or chief financial officer. All stock and nonstock corporations are required to submit their AFS and GIS online through the SEC Electronic Filing and Submission Tool (eFAST) at efast.sec.gov.ph. The SEC shall not accept submissions over the counter and through courier, in line with the zero-contact policy and automation of business-related transactions mandated by Republic Act No. 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018. “Filing of reportorial requirements is mandatory and must be faithfully complied with every year. We urge all corporations to keep track of the deadlines to avoid getting fined for noncompliance,” SEC Chairperson Emilio B. Aquino said. “The SEC is likewise authorized to suspend or revoke the corporate registration of duly registered companies for repeated failure to submit reports. We will be strictly implementing this authority as part of our efforts to enhance regulatory oversight over the corporate sector,” he added. AFS deadline All corporations, including branch offices, representative offices, regional headquarters and regional operating headquarters of foreign corporations Page 2 of 3 whose fiscal years ended on December 31, 2024 shall file their AFS according to the following schedule based on the last digit of their respective registration or license number: Submission Dates Last Digit of SEC Registration/ License Number All corporations may file their AFS before the first day of their respective coding schedules, regardless of the last numerical digit of their registration or license numbers. Corporations registered through the SEC Extension Offices shall follow the same schedule. A corporation whose fiscal year ended on a date other than December 31, 2024 shall file its AFS within 120 calendar days from the end of its fiscal year. The annual reports of brokers and dealers whose fiscal year ended on December 31 must be filed on April 30, while those with fiscal years ending on a date other than December 31 shall file their reports 110 calendar days after the close of their respective fiscal year. Corporations whose securities are listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), those whose securities are registered but not listed on the PSE, those considered as public companies, and those covered under Section 17.2 of Republic Act No. 8799, or the Securities Regulation Code (SRC), shall file their AFS within 105 calendar days after the end of their respective fiscal years, as an attachment to their annual reports. Further, corporations whose AFS are being audited by the Commission on Audit (COA) are exempted from the aforementioned deadlines, provided they attach to their AFS a duly signed affidavit attesting that they timely provided the COA with the financial statements and supporting documents and that the COA audit has just been concluded, as well as a letter from the COA confirming such information. Page 3 of 3 Failure to follow the formal requirements prescribed under Revised SRC Rule 68 shall be considered a sufficient ground for the imposition of penalties by the SEC. The acceptance and receipt by the Commission of the financial statements shall be without prejudice to such penalties. GIS deadline Meanwhile, the GIS must be filed within 30 calendar days from the date of the actual annual stockholders’ meeting for stock corporations, from the date of actual annual members meeting for non-stock corporations, and from the anniversary date of the issuance of the SEC license for foreign corporations. The respective GIS forms for stock corporations, nonstock corporations, branch offices and representative offices of foreign corporations, and regional operating headquarters and regional headquarters of multinational companies may be downloaded from the SEC website. OPCs are not required to submit the GIS. However, they must submit the SEC Form for Appointment of Officers within 15 days from the date of issuance of their certificate of incorporation, or within five days from subsequent changes.              

Globe is providing free roaming services to Filipinos in Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam in the wake of a destructive quake that struck the region Friday. This immediate assistance will help Filipinos in affected areas reach their loved ones and access essential services. Starting Friday evening, March 28, Filipinos in Myanmar will receive Php500 worth of roaming credits for outgoing calls, receiving incoming calls, and sending SMS to their loved ones.  Globe Prepaid and TM users will receive the support in the form of prepaid load, while Globe Postpaid users will get a bill adjustment. Meanwhile, all Globe customers in Thailand and Vietnam can access 1GB of data, 15 minutes of calls, and 15 SMS credits, all valid for 7 days. There is no registration needed as the goodwill offer will be automatically seeded to customers detected in these countries. A confirmation message will be sent advising them that the free roaming offer is ready for use. To avail of these free roaming services, Globe Prepaid, TM and Postpaid customers must connect to the following partner networks: Myanmar:Telenor/Atom or MPT Thailand:AIS or DTAC Vietnam: Mobifone or Viettel “We understand the importance of staying connected, especially in the wake of a disaster. By providing free roaming services to Filipinos in Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, Globe ensures that our customers have a reliable means to reach their loved ones and access critical emergency information. We hope and pray for everyone’s safety during this difficult time,” said Paula Rivera-Castillo, Head of Globe International Business.    

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  Over 3,000 students from 15 schools across the country are now equipped with knowledge on digital safety, cybersecurity, and responsible AI use after taking part in Globe’s Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP) Learning Sessions in February, in line with the company’s long-going Safer Internet campaign. In keeping with its advocacy on responsible digital citizenship, Globe mobilized employee volunteers in the February rollout of DTP, in support of the Safer Internet Day theme “Digital Bayanihan, para Kabataang Ligtas at Protektado Online.” “Globe remains steadfast in its mission to create a secure and responsible digital space for Filipinos. By bringing DTP to the ground and educating the youth on cybersecurity and responsible AI use, we empower them to make informed choices and protect themselves online,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer. For this year’s commemoration of Safer Internet Month, Globe collaborated with the National Coordination Center Against Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (NCC-OSAEC CSAEM), alongside key government agencies, non-government organizations, and child rights advocates. Among these were the Department of Education, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of the Interior and Local Government , Department of Justice, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Information Agency, the Philippine National Police, Save the Children, Stairway Foundation, Inc., The Asia Foundation – SaferKidsPH, UNICEF, and World Vision Philippines. Globe’s DTP Learning Sessions provided students with hands-on knowledge about cybersecurity, digital responsibility, and AI ethics. Participating institutions included: Computer Arts Technological College, Inc. Rosemont Hills Montessori College St. Vincent College Incorporated Bago City College Foundation University La Salle Ozamis University of Nueva Caceres Ramon Torres National High School Mapua Malayan Eastern Visayas State University Capiz National High School Saint Michael College of Caraga Benguet State University College of IT St. Paul University Philippines University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP) Beyond schools, Globe extended its training to select employees of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), reinforcing the importance of digital safety among public sector workers. Amplifying awareness through Team Globe of Good influencers Globe also strengthened its digital safety advocacy through its Globe of Good influencers, who shared engaging content on key online safety topics via social media, including: Recognizing and preventing Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) Cybersecurity best practices to safeguard personal information Proper SIM registration procedures to prevent fraud and unauthorized use Reporting spam and scam messages for a safer digital environment Reporting Channels for OSAEC and CSAEM in the Philippines If you suspect or witness cases of Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) or Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material (CSAEM), you may report them through the following channels: Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT): 1343 Action Line or report@iacat.gov.ph Philippine National Police – Women and Children Protection Center: (02) 8532-6690 Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD): 911 or 8888 National Bureau of Investigation – Anti-Human Trafficking Division: (02) 8525-4093   Globe continues to drive awareness and education efforts on digital safety, reinforcing its contribution to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) No. 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and No. 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Through its sustained efforts, Globe hopes to bridge digital literacy gaps and protect communities from the rising threats of online exploitation.