BY ALEX ALAGON
DAVAO City Acting Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte clearly wins in this particular issue in his family’s political battle with the tenant of Malacañang. The win, though somewhat small, appears big because his statement created a “dent” on the “callousness” of some officials in the government = from Congress to the agency tasked in implementing infrastructure projects.
When we say Mayor Baste’s “win,” we mean his harshest tirade so far on the President’s pronouncement that the Segment B of the Davao City Coastal Road starting from Tulip end at Times Beach to Roxas Avenue junction was to have been opened to vehicular traffic the other day, Monday, Dec. 15.
Calling the President’s opening schedule last Monday a “reckless pronouncement,” the mayor said Mr. Marcos Jr. and his men who were with him in his inspection of the project ignored the lack of preparation, including the absence of street lights and signage to warn motorists of any possible danger that could lead to road accidents.
The scathing denunciation somehow goaded the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) XI, to move, perhaps grudgingly, the partial opening.
So, instead of Dec. 15 at 5 p.m. DPWH Region moved the opening to Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 6 in the morning, or barely a few hours later. However, the agency released a statement again saying the opening will be postponed indefinitely.
The question is, will the same stretch be opened daily? Unfortunately, it was not made clear by the DPWH whether it is subject to observation as to how the opening will impact on the city’s traffic situation.
On the other hand, what we believe was the winning stingiest verbiage of the mayor against the President and his men is his stern warning that “should anything happen to Davaoeños in the area because of inadequate street lights and safety measures, ‘that is on you and your stupidity’.”
We are certain the mayor’s harangue caused some stir at the DPWH. Hence the rescheduling of the opening of Segment B.
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We agree with the position of some congressmen that the unresolved disagreement on the budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways may delay the implementation of some P400 billion worth of infrastructure projects.
But it is also our take as well that the P400 billion worth of projects can become a huge moneymaker for some people, especially those from the complaining Lower House.
Yes, the huge amount of money could be a source of corruption once the projects are implemented. But there is truth to the claims of the congressmen that failure to implement the projects could mean a serious threat to development and possibly result to economic setbacks for the country.
So, perhaps there is need for the Senate and the House to agree on some compromise especially in coming up with safety measures to minimize if not prevent corruption during the implementation of the P400 billion worth of infrastructure projects.
And to us, the first major step that the two Houses should adopt is to provide all the support needed during the court deliberation of graft and corruption cases filed against those involved including many of their own.
They should help the Ombudsman get convictions of those accused, be they senators, congressmen, government employees, or private individuals.
We believe that it is the best and surest way to deter corruption in government transactions, more specifically on the multi-billion infrastructure projects.
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Manila, Philippines – 2GO Travel, the country’s premier sea travel operator, received two major recognitions at the 2025 TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards – Asia. The company was awarded with the Community Engagement Programme of the Year – Philippines and Cruise Ship Entertainment of the Year – Philippines honors.
The Community Engagement award recognizes 2GO’s Enrolment to Employment (E2E) and Apprenticeship Programme, which provides practical, industry-based training onboard 2GO vessels. The program equips young Filipinos with hands-on experience in hospitality and maritime services. Participants live, learn, and work onboard, interacting with passengers, managing services, and applying their coursework in authentic vessel environments. Through this initiative, 2GO transforms its ships into floating classrooms that develop confidence, competence, and character.
Students in the E2E Program gain exposure to both hospitality and ship management operations and receive mentorship from experienced professionals. They also benefit from career coaching, resume-building sessions, and soft-skills training aligned with global hiring standards. These support services ensure that graduates enter the workforce with stronger qualifications and a competitive edge.
“These awards affirm the value of integrating programs like E2E into our operations. We take pride in helping aspiring hospitality, tourism and maritime professionals prepare for meaningful careers. While we have always seen our trainees leave the program more confident and capable, this recognition simply is the cherry on top.“ said George Narag, 2GO Travel Head of Product Development.
2GO also received the Cruise Ship Entertainment award for Travel Fun, its signature onboard entertainment program. Travel Fun features cultural performances, games, music, and themed activities both onboard and at terminals. The initiative consistently receives high passenger satisfaction scores and reinforces 2GO’s commitment to making sea travel enjoyable for Filipino travelers.
“This recognition validates our commitment to enhancing the passenger journey. Travel Fun creates an environment where passengers can relax, enjoy, and make memories during long-haul sea travel. It motivates us to keep raising the standard for domestic sea travel,” said Roland Sunga, 2GO Travel AVP for F&B, Ancillary, and Hotel Operations.
These awards underscore 2GO’s dedication to developing Filipino talent and enriching the passenger experience across its fleet.
Globe, the Philippines’ leading telecommunications company, and GCash, the country’s leading fintech platform, have joined forces to make digital transactions safer and simpler for millions of Filipinos. Together, they have completed the first phase of a Proof of Concept (POC) for Silent Network Authentication (SNA), a next-generation technology that securely verifies a user’s identity through the Globe network without the need for one-time passwords or manual input.
Completing the first phase marks a significant leap towards safer and smarter online transactions. The successful testing reinforces the integrity and capability of Globe’s network to automatically verify the user’s identity, without requiring a one-time password (OTPs) or manual input. The system works by securely checking directly if the mobile number provided matches the SIM card active in the current data session, adding a powerful layer of defense against phishing and SIM-based fraud. For GCash users who rely on the app as their primary way to pay, send money, or manage finances, this means stronger protection and a smoother, worry-free experience every time they log in or make a transaction.
This innovation is part of G Verify, Globe’s verification and anti-fraud portfolio that combines network-level solutions and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to protect customers and businesses from digital threats. Under G Verify, SNA instantly and accurately confirms a user’s identity, giving users greater peace of mind when managing their finances through GCash.
“Security and accessibility must go hand in hand. This milestone is about building trust for the financially included,” said KD Dizon, Vice President and Head of Globe Business. “By working with GCash, we’re showing how network-level innovation can directly improve safety and convenience for millions of Filipinos who rely on digital platforms every day.”
This achievement also meets global benchmarks. The SNA POC aligns with GSMA and CAMARA standards, ensuring high levels of security and interoperability. Globe has earned GSMA certification for its Number Verification API and plays a key role in the Bridge Alliance API Exchange (BAEx), a regional initiative that promotes API collaboration among telcos.
“At GCash, security and trust are at the heart of everything we do,” said Miguel Geronilla, GCash Chief Information and Security Officer. “Partnering with Globe on Silent Network Authentication helps us give our users an extra layer of protection, one that works quietly in the background so they can focus on what matters most.”
The collaboration supports the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) call for stronger, more adaptive digital security across the financial sector. This POC follows Globe’s successful testing of network APIs with one of the country’s leading financial institutions, demonstrating the company’s proven leadership and commitment to advancing digital security and financial inclusion across the country. By solidifying the foundation of trust, this initiative is set to revolutionize access to essential digital services for all Filipinos, fostering a more inclusive financial landscape. Furthermore, it powerfully demonstrates Globe’s leadership in innovation, leveraging its API ecosystem to transform network capabilities into open, programmable platforms. This empowers partners like GCash to create safer, more intuitive digital experiences, driving a future where every Filipino can confidently participate in the digital economy.
Summit Galleria Cebu 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.
General Manager Melanie Arceo 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, Children of Cebu Foundation. They provide a safe home for orphaned, abandoned, neglected children in Cebu and we are committed to giving them support.”
She adds that Summit Galleria Cebu 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”, Arceo 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. And on the most festive dates of the holidays—December 24, 25, and 31—guests can enjoy extraordinary buffet spreads at the brand’s signature Café Summit, featuring seasonal specialties and crowd favorites, creating a perfect backdrop for unforgettable family dining traditions.
Discover another way to pay. BDO Pay is linked to your BDO accounts, so you can simply scan, send, and pay. And for the Yuletide season, you can get a P500 cashback, too!
The Christmas season is magical, but let’s be real, it can also feel overwhelming with the office parties, family reunions, and endless gift shopping.
That’s where BDO Pay comes in, making payments easier and simpler. Say goodbye to cash-ins, long lines, and juggling multiple wallets. With one secure app that connects directly to your BDO accounts and cards, you can just scan, send, and pay cash-free.
Festive shopping made easy
Skip the stress of pulling out your wallet in crowded malls, bazaars and grocery stores. With BDO Pay, you can shop safely and pay instantly from your BDO deposit or credit card account—no need to bring cash or top up a separate digital wallet.
As a special treat, you can also earn an exclusive P500 cashback when you reach a cumulative spend of P50,000 using BDO Pay from October 15, 2025 to January 15, 2026.
Celebrate and dine with ease
The heart of Filipino Christmas is gathering around food. From spontaneous café meetups to noche buena feasts, BDO Pay makes settling bills effortless with QR payments. Splitting the tab with loved ones is so much easier. No more scrambling for cash or computing everyone’s share.
Send love (and gifts) instantly
Not seeing all your inaanaks this year? BDO Pay lets you send money instantly to any BDO account with zero fees. It’s perfect for e-gifts and surprise treats for kids and Gen Zs with just a few taps. You can even send a QR code through the app, so your recipient—BDO account holder or not—can easily withdraw your pamasko at any QR-enabled BDO ATM.
Hit the road without the hassle
If you’re planning a family road trip, simply reload your RFID or toll accounts directly through BDO Pay. You can enjoy smooth travels without the long lines and extra fees.
Now’s the perfect time to simplify your payment routine. With BDO Pay, you can breeze through your shopping and travel checklist and enjoy the season hassle-free. Sign up on the BDO Pay app, or if you already have BDO Online, sign in with your existing username and password and become a smart holiday spender today!
Not a user yet? Download BDO Pay from the App Store, Google Play, or AppGallery.
MAKATI CITY, PHILIPPINES, 15 December 2025 – Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI), today announced the strategic monetization of its stake in Alabang Town Center. The move unlocks Php13.5 billion in capital, which will be redeployed to accelerate the development of its next generation of large-scale, high-growth Leasing assets.
The transaction involves the sale of ALI’s 50% ownership in Alabang Commercial Center Corporation (ACC) to its joint-venture partner. The opportunity allowed ALI to realize a compelling value for the mature asset, crystallizing future earnings potential today.
This move is a deliberate execution of Ayala Land’s strategy to be a premier creator of value. It showcases a disciplined approach of developing assets, stabilizing their operations, and monetizing them at an optimal valuation to aggressively fund future growth and enhance shareholder returns.
“Our strategy is focused on a dynamic cycle of value creation. We build, we stabilize, and we unlock value at the right time to fuel our next wave of innovation,” said Meean B. Dy, President and CEO of Ayala Land. “This transaction is a prime example of that strategy in action. We are monetizing a legacy asset at peak valuation to accelerate the rollout of our expansive pipeline of commercial and retail spaces, which will define the Ayala brand of development for the next decade.”
The proceeds will be a key driver in funding ALI’s robust Leasing pipeline, which includes nearly 700,000 square meters of new gross leasable area (GLA) in the next five years, set to transform the landscape in key growth centers across the country.
Ayala Land reaffirms its deep commitment to Southern Metro Manila, a region defined by our large-scale, master-planned Estates such as Arca South, Vermosa, and Evo City. In the Alabang area, ALI continues to serve the local community with ongoing developments like its 6.6has Cerca Estate.
- Authorities investigate local ties of Sydney’s Bondi Beach shooters
THE POLICE Regional Office (PRO) XI and the Davao Airport Police are verifying reports that the two gunmen responsible for the deadly mass terror shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, stayed in Davao City for a month during their recent visit to the Philippines.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Tuesday confirmed that the suspects, father-and-son Sajid Akram, 50, and Naveed Akram, 24, were in the country before the terror attack that killed 16 so far.
The two arrived in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport together on Nov. 1, 2025, from Sydney, Australia, before immediately flying to Davao City, according to a TIMES source.
“Both reported Davao as their final destination,” the BI said in a statement.
BI records show that the duo departed the Philippines on Nov. 28, 2025, on a connecting flight from Davao to Manila, with Sydney as their final destination.
Local police investigate
When asked if authorities had confirmed the suspects’ stay and specific location within Davao, Major Catherine Dela Rey, the PRO XI spokesperson, told TIMES on Tuesday, “We are still investigating that information.”
They are also looking into reports that the two suspects received military-grade training under the Islamic State in the Philippines.
The Davao Airport Police also confirmed in a separate message that they are still verifying the immigration data.
The Bondi Beach Incident
The Akrams were identified by Australian media as the shooters who killed 16 people, including a 10-year-old girl, at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Monday, using long-barreled guns. The father, Sajid Akram, was killed in a shootout with officers, while the son, Naveed Akram, remains in critical condition in a hospital under police guard.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated on Tuesday that the duo appeared to be driven by “Islamic State ideology”.
Photo credit: CitizenClips/X
THE ALCANTARA Group celebrated its 70th anniversary with a milestone event that honored its rich heritage while looking toward the future. Held at the Dusit Thani Residence Davao last Dec. 4, 2025, under the theme “Seventy Years Strong: Forward Together,” the gathering brought together generations of leaders, employees, partners, and friends to honor the founder’s enduring vision and the Group’s legacy of service, innovation, and nation-building.
Set in Davao, where the company’s story began, the celebration featured a curated exhibit and program tracing the company’s evolution from a mid-1950s Davao-based enterprise—Conrado Alcantara and Sons, Inc. (CASI)—into one of the country’s most diversified Filipino-owned conglomerates. The evening honored the founder, Conrado Alcantara, and the leadership of the second-generation principals who expanded the organization’s footprint across key sectors, including energy through the Alsons Power Unit, aquaculture and agriculture through the Alsons Agribusiness Unit, and real estate development through Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev), as well as its other subsidiaries.
The anniversary program also paid tribute to the collective efforts of employees, partners, and communities that have shaped the enterprise’s growth. Stories of collaboration and service underscore how shared values across the Alcantara Group’s business units have enabled their continued relevance and resilience amid changing landscapes and milestones across decades.
“We owe this milestone to the men and women across generations who helped shape the Alcantara Group into what it is today. What has kept us strong is not just strategy alone, but the spirit of unity and service that has guided us since the beginning—growth that uplifts both people and communities,” said Nicasio I. Alcantara, Chairman of Alcantara Group.
Continuing the group’s 70-year legacy
With the third generation of Alcantaras poised to take the lead, the Alcantara Group’s subsidiaries, including Alsons Dev, are carrying forward its mission with renewed purpose.
As the Group’s real estate arm, Alsons Dev plays a central role in shaping communities that reflect the founder’s foresight for Mindanao, translating the company’s values of stewardship into meaningful developments on the ground.
“As we look to the future, we do so with renewed purpose—to sustain what has been built and to keep growing it with the same vision, integrity, and care that defined the generations before us,” said Miguel Rene A. Dominguez, President and CEO of Alsons Dev. “We will continue to build responsibly, create long-term value, and drive progress for generations to come.”
Building on seven decades of success, the company remains committed to expanding its diversified businesses and advancing industries that contribute to long-term development. Guided by the principles that shaped its early years and inspired by the generations that have carried its purpose forward, the Alcantara Group looks to the future with determination, focused on creating opportunities, fostering sustainable growth, and leaving a lasting impact on future generations.
APPROXIMATELY 8 in 10 (76.1%) Davaoeños remained hopeful this Christmas for Davao City, while 2 in 10 (22.4%) were uncertain, according to the University of Mindanao – Institute of Popular Opinion online survey from Nov. 26, 2025, to Dec. 12, 202,5 targeting 1,200 respondents from three congressional districts
The survey intends to determine their wish for Davao City and capture their messages for the City Government of Davao.
Since the survey was done online via sponsored ads on three Meta Platforms (Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram), IPO relied heavily on online, pre-defined, targeted social media users who met the inclusion criteria and were targeted for contact within the defined geographical radius. Respondents were defined to be at least 18 years old, have a valid/active email address, and be residents of Davao City.
The survey was done at a 95% confidence level and a 5% margin of error. Questions asked are related to hopes and wishes, and their confidence that these will be fulfilled. A simple message was also asked of the respondents.
When asked about what gave them hope for Davao City, nearly half (47.2%) cited the City`s peace and safety, while two out of ten (22.4%) attributed their hope to family, relationships, and personal blessings. Others pointed to the city`s economic opportunities and livelihood (7.5%) and its clean, orderly, and festive environment (6.5%).
When asked about their wishes for Davao City, nearly seven out of ten (65.08%) were manifesting for the continued sustenance of peaceful and safe communities in the City. More than half of ten (54.27%) expressed a strong desire for better traffic or transportation, and four of ten (41.71%) longed for healthier communities and better healthcare access. Other wishes include more livelihood and economic opportunities (34.92%) and more support for youth and education (25.88%).
Above all these wishes, an overwhelming majority of the respondents (93.7%) expressed confidence that the City Government can fulfill them, while only a small proportion (6.3%) reported having no confidence at all.
Davaoeños were asked to send a message for Davao City. One respondent expressed hope that Davao City may grow into a safer, more peaceful, and opportunity-filled community where every resident feels secure and supported. Another participant wished for the City to continue flourishing as a model city that balances progress with its unique identity, remains a home for its people, and a beacon for Mindanao. Moreover, one participant loved to see Davao City continuing its legacy as the safest and cleanest City with its people who are disciplined and united.
In terms of governance and development, Davaoeños hope for more developments and improvements, particularly in traffic and transportation, and disaster-related management. One participant wished that development in the City may not be too aggressive to avoid affecting vulnerable and marginalized communities negatively.
Regarding healthcare, a longing for healthcare that is accessible, affordable, and inclusive for all was evident as well from the messages. Davaoeños manifested for a Davao City that is sustainable and is capable for the needs of its residents and increasing its healthcare opportunities for everyone disregarding of social and financial status.
Generally, the messages of the respondents convey a hopeful and cohesive vision of Davao City – one that values peace and unity as foundations for progress, growth, and a better future for all Davaoeños.
