BY ALEX ALAGON
GRAND Summit Hotel General Santos is celebrating the Christmas season with a festive lineup of holiday offerings under the theme, “A Brighter Christmas Together.”
In keeping with its annual tradition, the hotel is dedicated to making holiday celebrations more meaningful for its guests by supporting causes that foster shared experiences and aid communities in need.
Cluster general manager Jesse Raymond Chua says, “We are offering special holiday room rates for family bonding and leisure escapes. The most significant feature of this campaign is our commitment to giving back by donating a portion of the revenue from every room booking throughout the holiday season to our partner advocacy, St. Vincent’s Strambi Home for the Aged.”
He adds that Grand Summit Hotel General Santos, recently named “Philippines’ Leading City Hotel” at the prestigious World Travel Awards Asia 2025, offers a variety of event space options, including its Ballroom, for reunions and celebrations. “Our welcoming venues simplify the process of holiday hosting for loved ones, friends, and colleagues — allowing everyone to focus on the joy of connection”, Chua explains.
In addition, the hotel offers the perfect gifts with a delectable variety of Christmas goodies and holiday hampers filled with premium treats and Christmas delights—ideal for sharing and savoring the season with family and friends.
“We are also pleased to announce that we are extending the operating hours of our signature restaurant, Café Summit, until 11:00 PM throughout the month of December, to allow guests ample time for their celebrations. For exclusive gatherings, the Private Dining Room is available for groups of up to 20 people, complete with convenient, reasonably priced sharing menus personally curated by our chef,” adds Chua.
And to mark the season’s most festive dates—December 24, 25, and 31—Café Summit will offer extraordinary buffet spreads at the main restaurant, featuring both seasonal delights and perennial favorites for truly unforgettable family dining.
This festive season, Grand Summit Hotel General Santos invites everyone to celebrate A Brighter Christmas Together—filled with joyful memories, warm gatherings, and heartfelt connections.
For dining reservations, please call 320 0210 / (0908) 869 3318. Room reservations for Grand Summit General Santos can be made through: https://grandsummithotels.ph/ or through the Robinsons Hotels and Resorts app.
THE OFFICE of the Prosecutor and the Office of Public Counsel for Victims have jointly requested the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to reject the appeal filed by former President Rodrigo Duterte concerning the court’s jurisdiction over him.
The request was formally filed as the Prosecution Response to “Appeal Brief on Jurisdiction” on Dec. 8, 2025, before the ICC Appeals Chamber.
The document, which addresses the “Situation in the Republic of the Philippines in the case of The Prosecutor v. Rodrigo Roa Duterte,” asks the Appeals Chamber to uphold the earlier decision that affirmed the ICC’s jurisdiction.
The prosecution argued before the Chamber that the interpretation of Articles 12(2) and 13(c) of the Rome Statute—which deal with the Court’s jurisdiction—was correct.
The OTP maintained its position that the key factors for determining jurisdiction should not be viewed in isolation, but rather through a broader understanding of the Statute’s purpose, including:
- The object and purpose of the Statute.
- The majority of the Court’s prior caselaw.
- The context provided by Articles 11(2), 12(1), and 29 of the Statute.
The Prosecution proposed that the Appeals Chamber invite all relevant parties to make further concise submissions on these matters if deemed necessary, under regulation 28.
Appeals Chamber composition
The Appeals Chamber hearing the response was presided over by Judge Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza, and includes Judge Tomoko Akane, Judge Solomon Balungi Bossa, Judge Gocha Lordkipanidze, and Judge Erdenebalsuren Damdin.
The document serves as the formal rebuttal by the Prosecution to the former President’s legal challenge against the Court’s authority to proceed with the investigation.
A CEREMONY was held on Dec. 5, 2025, where 129 former rebels (FRs) were formally presented by the 72nd Infantry (GABAY) Battalion to Mayor Jeam Villasor and all local government employees.
The event, held in front of the Municipal Hall of Arakan, Cotabato, marked an opportunity for the FRs to return to their communities and start a new life, transitioning from violence to peace, unity, and development.
The program was executed under the supervision of the 72nd IB, in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Cotabato and the Municipality of Arakan, as part of the ongoing support for the reintegration of former rebels into society.
Among those who attended were Vice Mayor Girlie Tuble-Montales, members of the Sangguniang Bayan, department heads, including the MLGOO and MSWDO, and partner agencies like the PNP and BFP.
Following the ceremony, the FRs held a courtesy call with the mayor’s office and various local government departments to learn about programs they can avail of based on their capabilities. All of them also received food packs from the local government.
Thirty-three of the returnees were granted a safe conduct pass (SCP), which was first introduced on Nov. 17, 2025.
During the ceremony, the recipients were presented to Mayor Jeam Villasor in front of the Arakan police and government staff, formally ensuring their peaceful, free return to their respective towns to start a new life away from harm.
The SCP serves as official proof that a former rebel is safe from any legal or military liability while undergoing reintegration or applying for amnesty.
Beyond protection, the SCP opens doors for education, employment, and active community participation, symbolizing hope and a fresh start. However, the pass includes limitations, such as a prohibition on traveling abroad.
Deradicalization program
Twenty-six former rebels completed the deradicalization program, which ran from Nov. 22 to Dec. 4 of this year.
They received immediate assistance from the Provincial Government of Cotabato while awaiting other government programs under the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
The program focuses on changing the perspective and ideology of former rebels, helping them confront the past, understand the effects of armed conflict, and develop a new outlook on life and community.
It prepares them for a legal and productive livelihood.
One program graduate, Alyas Tine, shared her sentiments and gratitude, highlighting the vulnerability of recruits:
“We are happy that the town of Arakan welcomed us, accepted us, and forgave us. Now, we also forgive you. We were truly victims of intense organizing in the mountains, because some of us had little education, making us easy targets for recruitment by the NPA. We were also easily recruited by other organizations, like those Partylists. This is one of the reasons we were recruited: because we didn’t finish school and our knowledge was limited, we were easily drawn into their propaganda.”
Message of peace and unity
Emphasizing the importance of cooperation and good public service, Villasor stressed that war is not the solution:
“The solution is not revolution. We will not win through war. If we wage war, we will still fight. I am sure we will all be at a loss, we will all lose.”
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Pablo Masa-ad, commanding officer of the 72nd IB, emphasized that the ceremony is clear proof of existing peace and positive change.
“I am thankful that you chose to coordinate with the Government and wish to return home to be with your families, especially since the celebration of the birth of Jesus, which symbolizes Peace, is near. We have no foreign enemies—we all want the same thing: Security, peace, and development.”
The officials’ messages served as a reminder that true success lies in unity, understanding, and trust.
Sustaining peace
The Mobile Community Sustainment Support Team (MCSST), having completed its mission in its target barangay, was authorized by the local government of Arakan to move to other barangays in need of assistance.
The MCSST’s role is to help identify local and social issues and bring them to the proper government agencies. It also aims to prevent the former rebels from returning to armed conflict through regular engagement, community work, and inter-agency collaboration.
THE LOCAL government unit of Maramag partnered with the 89th Infantry (Makatao) Battalion and various civic groups to bring Christmas cheer to over 100 children through the “Pamaskong Handog” program on Dec. 6, 2025.
Spearheaded by the Office of the Municipal Mayor’s Youth Development Division, the initiative adopted the theme, “Ngiti at Saya, Hatid sa Bata ay Pag-asa!”
The heartwarming Christmas initiative benefited children primarily from vulnerable and marginalized sectors, including the families of:
Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary members, former rebels, and children from neighboring communities.
The event featured gift-giving activities, fun games, and meaningful engagement to bring joy, hope, and a sense of belonging to the young beneficiaries.
The “Pamaskong Handog” was a collaborative effort involving the LGU Maramag, the 89th Infantry Battalion, Alpha Phi Omega – Maramag Residents, and the Bukidnon Maramag Lions Club.
THE 21ST City Council passed a resolution on Tuesday commending the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte for the Bucana Bridge.
Proponent Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang proposed a resolution recognizing Duterte and the bridge as a symbol of friendship and strong diplomatic cooperation between the country and the People’s Republic of China.
“The construction and funding support for the Bucana Bridge forms part of the Philippine-China cooperation under the Duterte administration, representing enhanced bilateral relations, economic coordination, and infrastructure collaboration between the two nations,” Dayanghirang said.
“The diplomatic friendship between the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China has witnessed strengthened ties, particularly in infrastructure, trade, and investment, with the bridge serving as a testament to mutual goodwill and shared development goals,” he added.
Dayanghirang stressed that during the administration of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the relationship between the two countries deepened through enhanced cooperation agreements and people-to-people exchanges.
The bridge, he added, is not only an infrastructure achievement but also a modern symbol of cooperation, mutual respect, and friendship between the two nations.
In a separate resolution, Dayanghirang also commended the government of the People’s Republic of China under the leadership of President Xi Jinping for the implementation of the bridge.
“The assistance of China in developing key infrastructure in Mindanao, particularly in Davao City, reflects a deepened bilateral cooperation and a commitment to shared progress, development, and mutual respect,” he said.
The project, with a total contract cost of ₱3.126 billion, was fully funded through an official grant from the Chinese government. The partnership was carried out under a contract with the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC).
The Bucana Bridge is officially set to open to traffic on Dec. 15, 2025.
THE 21ST City Council passed an ordinance on Friday, Dec. 5, promoting and regulating honeybee production.
Proponent Councilor Ralph Abella said the passage will provide an avenue to recognize the role of beekeepers in the industry and enhance honeybee productivity.
“The measure seeks to enhance honeybee productivity by strengthening colony health, expanding suitable habitats, and promoting sustainable beekeeping practices,” Abella said.
Abella recognized the importance of honey bees in collecting nectar and pollen from flowers, facilitating pollination, which is an essential ecological function.
“It supports the city’s food security initiative, likewise for production and agricultural biodiversity,” he said.
The ordinance seeks to provide income-generating opportunities for rural communities, especially the indigenous farmers and small-scale enterprises.
Apart from protecting habitat and keeping a friendly environment for honeybees, the measure also seeks to preserve flowering plants and forage areas such as major nectar-bearing plants.
Abella said the ordinance also seeks to provide incentives to beekeepers to sustain the production not only of honey, but of beeswax, propolls, and other hive-derived by-products.
- City Council okays Local Shelter Plan 2022-2031
IN A bid to mitigate the housing backlog in the city, lawmakers passed the Local Shelter Plan 2022-2031 on final reading on Tuesday, Dec. 9.
The LSP is a thematic plan seeking to address the housing requirement for both the informal and formal sectors of the city.
Proponent Councilor Diosdado Angelo Mahipus Jr. said they incorporated the current local housing situation, local resources, and the household’s affordability for the target beneficiaries.
“This measure is the culmination of years of work, inter-agency coordination, data-driven analysis, and our collective resołve to address one of the most urgent human needs in Davao City, the need for adequate, affordable, and decent shelter,” Mahipus said.
Mahipus reported that the city faces a housing backlog of 77,850 households, made up of doubled-up households (9,578), displaced units (68,237), and 35 homeless.
The displaced units include those living in danger zones, affected by infrastructure projects, for demolition, or with a Court Order for Eviction, in government properties, and in private properties.
Meanwhile, considering population growth within the planning period, Mahipus said the city will need an additional 110,493 households.
“Davao City needs to build 188,343 housing units to address the backlog and future needs of Davao City from 2022-2031,” Mahipus said.
“The gravity of these numbers requires not fear, but a plan-a plan rooted in data, guided by law, and driven by compassion. This Local Shelter Plan provides exactly that,” he added.
However, Mahipus said, considering the factors of limited land resources, financial constraints, and the lengthy duration of processes, the city can only build limited housing units for the period.
The LSP is projected to cost P17.013 as the units will be disaster-resilient, climate-adaptive, and have culturally and gender sensitive designs.
It will require an estimate of 48.81 hectares of land, and the city has a total of 57.16 hectares in total. This includes the Balai Pagbabago Davao, Los Amigos Relocation Area Phase 1, Brgy. Talomo River; Barangay Manambulan, Brgy. Tibuloy, Toril District; and Brgy. Langub.
For affordability, Mahipus said the housing strategies will include public rental transitory housing; economic housing under Deed of Usufruct; rent-to-own scheme; temporary housing; lot-only housing scheme; urban renewal and resettlement housing, among others.
THE IRONY of it all, what was naturally intended to connect people and places, has now suddenly become the central object of disharmony and controversy. A prized catch, if you will, but only for those who like to snatch the credit and recognition that rightfully belong to others.
It’s only natural, in the eyes of the true claimants, a neighborhood bully has suddenly snatched a toy from inside their own playground…a common scenario that is played over and over in countless life occasions.
“While for some, insignificant as it is, a bridge is but a bridge and nothing more. Surely, those in power are most likely to steal the thunder again from others who have accomplishments lined up in the future.”
While some young players in the sandlot may cry out in protest and dismay, its more veteran occupants may, however, view the whole incident as nothing but a pathetic display by those eager and desperate for belongingness and attention.
For these old stalwarts, theirs is the silent acceptance of a stoic truth that has stood the test of time. For them, the truth, no matter how one bends it, will always win in the end. And to add to this, the words of Jonathan Livingston Seagull always ring true—the truth shall set you free.
The pettiness of it all is only brought to the surface, acting like a gauge on the depth of the quality of performance, or the lack of it, by those ironically tasked to provide service to the people and the country. At this, those whom they are supposed to cater to, know full well that, aside from bleeding the coffers dry, they have actually accomplished nothing.
What’s worse, their propensity to claim ownership for other people’s accomplishments is nothing but only a knee-jerk reaction that’s available in that limited space between their ears. The more direct ones are quick to readily state, thieves and drug addicts alike have no sense of honor and honesty. They lie, cheat and feel no remorse whatsoever, as these are the only ways they know and live by.
The more important thing, however, despite all that happened, the general public is no stranger to their ways. While for some, insignificant as it is, a bridge is but a bridge and nothing more. Surely, those in power are most likely to steal the thunder again from others who have accomplishments lined up in the future. Thus, exposing them is the recourse for the moment, so that when 2028 comes around the bend, their likes will fail miserably at the polls and lose their flaunted power, they are made to answer for all their deeds or rather, misdeeds.
THE PHILIPPINES’ creative economy is one of the country’s fastest-growing sectors, contributing 7.3 percent to GDP and creating 7.51 million jobs in 2024, according to the Philippine Information Agency.
As global demand for Filipino creators and digital service providers grows, the ability to get paid quickly and securely has become essential. Payoneer supports this expansion by providing tools that simplify international payments and help creative businesses access opportunities worldwide.
Among the firms rising with this momentum is Leveret Group, a Filipino-founded studio that creates custom games and interactive digital experiences for brands and organizations. The group uses gamification, which applies game elements to non-game settings, so learning, training, or customer interaction becomes more engaging and easier to understand.
“People like to play, and there’s no rule that says work has to be boring,” said Ria Lu, President and CEO of Leveret Group. “We design systems that motivate people through play, so routine tasks or training become more enjoyable.”
Founded in 2021, Leveret began as a small remote team in the Philippines and now works with clients in the United States, Australia, and Singapore. The company is focusing on the Asia-Pacific region, which is currently the largest and fastest-growing market for gaming and gamification.
“The growth is driven by Southeast Asia as a major force, Japan, Korea, and China as creative powerhouses, and Australia and New Zealand as very active markets,” Lu said.
Managing payments and contracts across different countries is a key part of that expansion. Monique Avila, Senior Director of Customer Success for APAC at Payoneer, said that seamless payments help Filipino entrepreneurs strengthen their global presence.
“Creators thrive when they can focus on their craft instead of the logistics of getting paid,” said Avila. “With Payoneer, teams like Leveret can manage global transactions with ease and continue expanding their work across borders.”
Since its founding, Leveret has relied on Payoneer to send and receive payments globally with ease. With multi-currency accounts, the team has eliminated the complexities of international transfers, enabling them to manage transactions quickly and efficiently.
Leveret’s projects go beyond entertainment. The team develops games for change, most commonly known as serious games, which are interactive experiences that address education, health, and social issues.
For one NGO, Leveret created a live-action interactive film where the story changes based on user choices to help strengthen learners’ critical thinking.
Looking ahead, Leveret plans to balance its business between client projects and original game development in the coming years. “We want to release our own titles,” Lu said. “When it’s your own product, it continues to create value over time. That’s how we sustain creativity in the long term.”
For Ria, going global is both a challenge and a necessity. “If you really want to make it as a creative entrepreneur, you have to expand,” she said. “Technology and financial platforms like Payoneer make it possible.”
As the Philippines builds its reputation as a creative hub, companies like Leveret show how Filipino talent can compete, create, and lead across borders—powered by tools like Payoneer that simplify international payments and let them focus on what they do best.
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