BY ALEX ALAGON
If the first casualty of war is truth, then the first casualty of political defeat is perspective. Nowhere is this clearer than in the ongoing effort to pin the Mindanao midterm debacle on Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo—this time, through the lens of the Bangsamoro region.
Let’s zoom in on the BARMM, where much of the noise is coming from political dynasties nursing wounded pride. What was once a united front for the UniTeam has now splintered into a cacophony of blame, entitlement, and revisionist history.
Back in 2022, when the Marcos-Duterte tandem was at its strongest, the so-called “Family Alliance” of Muslim Mindanao was formed—a powerful coalition of political clans that included the Mangudadatus of Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao, the Sinsuats of Maguindanao del Norte, the Midtimbangs, Masturas, and other dominant names.
It was a marriage of convenience, forged in the fires of shared ambition and sealed with promises of unity, influence, and inclusion under a UniTeam government.
Among them, the Mangudadatus emerged particularly dominant. Teng Mangudadatu, the patriarch, was once governor of Sultan Kudarat and later appointed as Tesda chair, then filed his candidacy for governor of Maguindanao del Sur in the 2025 midterm elections.
Bai Mariam, the matriarch, held the gubernatorial post in Maguindanao del Norte. Their son, Pax Ali, ruled Sultan Kudarat.
It didn’t take long before murmurs turned to grumbles. Members of the Family Alliance began voicing discomfort. Was this still a coalition—or a dynasty disguised as one?
So, when the time came to decide who would run where in the 2025 midterms, the Marcos administration—contrary to accusations of favoritism—did not side with any one family.
Instead, it made the principled, if politically risky, decision to let democracy take its course. No coronations. No backroom deals. Just open political competition.
This wasn’t a betrayal—it was a course correction.
And it worked. The people voted. They spoke loudly and clearly. And the result? A redistribution of political power in the BARMM. The Mangudadatus lost two of the three gubernatorial seats. Only Pax Ali remained in office.
It is here—after the fact—that the scapegoating began.
Suddenly, Anton Lagdameo was accused of “betrayal.” Of “sabotage.” Of engineering the downfall of the Mangudadatus.
The same Lagdameo who, in truth, merely stood firm on a policy of political neutrality and electoral integrity.
The same Lagdameo who refused to wield the Office of the President as a bludgeon to enforce dynastic control.
SAP Lagdameo did not tell the voters of Maguindanao to reject the Mangudadatus. The voters did that themselves.
What the Mangudadatus are really upset about is this — for the first time in years, they weren’t protected from the consequences of political overreach.
They weren’t insulated from public resentment. They weren’t allowed to dominate unchallenged.
And for that, Anton Lagdameo has become the fall guy.
But this isn’t about Lagdameo. This is about the arrogance of political dynasties who confuse public office with private inheritance—and throw tantrums when the people dare to choose otherwise.
SAP Lagdameo did not abandon the Family Alliance. The Family Alliance imploded under the weight of its own contradictions—too many families, too few positions, and too much entitlement.
If the Marcos administration had imposed a top-down solution and protected the old dynasties, it would have been accused of suppressing democracy. When it chose to step back and let the democratic process unfold, it was accused of betrayal.
Heads, they win. Tails, they blame Anton.
Mindanao doesn’t need another political dynasty throwing fits when things don’t go their way. It needs leaders who understand that power is borrowed from the people, not bestowed upon them by birthright or by palace proximity.
SAP Lagdameo merely upheld that principle. And for that, he deserves credit—not condemnation.
As this administration regroups after the midterms, it must decide whether will it keep pandering to those who believe power is a birthright, or will it continue empowering those who earn it?
Because if Mindanao is to truly move forward, the real reckoning must begin—not with Anton Lagdameo’s resignation, but with the political dynasties who still believe democracy is their family business.
From FILIPINO BY HEARTH
MANILA — HUAWEI introduced a new generation of innovative products last July 22 at a major Asia-Pacific launch event in Bangkok themed “Fashion Next.” Among the latest lineup of devices were the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series, which redefines mobile photography with its industry-first switchable dual telephoto system and ultra-large sensor technology, and the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5-inch PaperMatte Edition (2025), a PC-like tablet designed for seamless productivity on the go.
As part of the event, XMAGE APAC was also held in Bangkok, showcasing outstanding photography from across the region and celebrating the power of visual storytelling. It was also officially announced that XMAGE will return to Paris later this year, with the global “The World, You and Me” XMAGE Awards Ceremony and Exhibition.
A New Benchmark for Mobile Imaging
Held at One Bangkok Forum, the launch event brought together industry partners, media, HUAWEI fans, and key opinion leaders to witness HUAWEI’s latest advancements in smartphone imaging and mobile innovation with the debut of the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series.
“Huawei never stops pushing the boundaries of mobile technology, not just to lead in innovation, but to create meaningful experiences that serve human expression,” said Peter Liu, Flagship Handsets GTM director at HUAWEI. “From foldables to imaging, we believe the best camera is the one you have with you, not only to capture images, but to tell stories, stir emotions, and connect lives. This philosophy guides everything we do, inspiring new ways of seeing, working, and creating.”
At the APAC launch event, HUAWEI demonstrated the newest evolution of mobile photography through an immersive low-light experience zone. The HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra delivered impressively sharp and vivid images even from a distance, a testament to its breakthrough Night Zoom capability and the Ultra Lighting HDR. These allow the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra to capture scenes with exceptional clarity across challenging lighting conditions.
The HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra also introduces the industry’s first Switchable Dual Telephoto Camera, which combines 3.7x and 9.4x optical zoom within a shared 1/1.28-inch ultra-large sensor. Enabled by a precision-engineered optical path and switching mechanism, the system ensures seamless transitions across focal lengths with consistent color and detail. This solves the long-standing limitation of traditional telephoto designs.
The HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro, which inherits the legendary 1-inch sensor of the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra, also delivers exceptional low-light performance and image sharpness. Its Ultra Lighting Macro Telephoto Camera unlocks fine textures at close range, while the Ultra Chroma Camera enhances color fidelity across the imaging system.
Precision engineering: Redefining optical architecture with device durability and advanced AI experience
The HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra holds one of HUAWEI’s most advanced camera modules. This custom unit has 143 components, assembled through more than 150 precision manufacturing steps, nearly three times more than a conventional periscope camera. It integrates dual prisms and a four-lens group to deliver seamless optical transitions and outstanding clarity across zoom ranges, rivaling the capabilities of a professional DSLR.
The HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra’s engineering brilliance doesn’t stop at photography. From screen to lens, the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra is protected by 2nd-Gen Crystal Armour Kunlun Glass with 25× improved drop resistance and 16× scratch resistance. New and Advanced AI-powered features like AI Messaging, AI Gesture Control, and AI Best Expression push the boundaries of how naturally and securely, users interact with their devices. Precision hardware meets intelligent software, bringing a flagship experience built to perform, to understand, and to endure.
HUAWEI will also soon introduce an AI Remove feature, which enables users to effortlessly eliminate bystanders and unwanted objects from their photos. Powered by generative fill technology, the background is intelligently restored for a clean, natural result that looks as if the distractions were never there.
HUAWEI MatePad 11.5: PC-like experience, office on the go
Also unveiled at the event, the new HUAWEI MatePad 11.5-inch (2025) brings a PC-like experience in a sleek, portable form. Equipped with HUAWEI’s PaperMatte Display for clear, low-reflection viewing and the latest Magnetic Keyboard for smooth, stable typing, the tablet is built for students and young professionals on the move. With access to PC-level WPS Office, the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5-inch (2025) delivers full-function editing and seamless compatibility to make mobile work as effortless as it is efficient.
AppGallery: Everything you need, all in one place
HUAWEI’s AppGallery brings together a rich ecosystem of high-quality apps across lifestyle, travel, finance, entertainment, and productivity. Whether for work or leisure, AppGallery is a one-stop hub for daily convenience and discovery.
ILIGAN CITY – In a meaningful convergence of community outreach and faith-driven service, fifty persons deprived of liberty (PDL) from both male and female dormitories of Iligan City Jail benefitted from free dental health services on July 26, 2025.
The initiative, conducted through a partnership with Couples for Christ (CFC) of Iligan City and Lanao del Norte, aimed to promote oral health among PDL while reinforcing compassion and care within correctional facilities.
Jinsp Krizza Jane C Bermudo, warden of the Iligan City Jail-Female Dormitory, expressed gratitude for the support, saying, “This dental health mission is restoring dignity and reminding our PDL that their well-being still matters. We are truly thankful to our partners in this outreach.”
On July 27, CFC celebrated its 39th anniversary with a renewed commitment to evangelical and missionary work.
Jsinsp Ramel L. Milla, assistant to the city jail warden of the male dormitory, emphasized the impact of community collaboration: “Partnerships like this embody what it means to rehabilitate—not only by addressing physical needs, but by nurturing the human spirit. We commend CFC for walking hand-in-hand with us in this mission.”
The program underscores the growing recognition of holistic rehabilitation efforts in local jails and the power of faith-based groups in fostering hope and healing.
Students once had to carry bottles of water to school, while teachers routinely bought water gallons just to clean the comfort rooms– water access used to be a daily struggle for Cabantian Elementary School, one of the largest public schools in Davao City’s rapidly growing District 2. With over 2,000 students, maintaining basic hygiene and cleanliness was a constant challenge. Still, teachers did their best to ensure a safe and sanitary environment for their learners.
That story is now changing. With recent improvements in Davao City’s water infrastructure, especially the conjunctive use of groundwater and treated surface water from the Tamugan River– reliable water is finally reaching classrooms and comfort rooms. A 2024 Davao City Water District (DCWD) survey showed 99.6% customer satisfaction in the Cabantian area, signaling a major step forward not just for households and businesses, but also for schools working hard to provide safe and healthy learning environments.
This shift has allowed the school to implement DepEd’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene in Schools (WinS) program more fully. In fact, Cabantian Elementary School recently received a highest score of 3-Star validation under the national WinS implementation– a recognition of its improved sanitation practices and water access.
The school reported having 24-hour water availability, making daily handwashing and toilet cleaning finally possible. Their group handwashing facility, equipped with ten functioning faucets, now meets the standards set by WinS, which requires accessible and reliable hygiene stations to promote regular handwashing among learners– especially crucial in the post-pandemic classroom.
“We couldn’t really implement the WINS program (DepEd’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene in Schools) before. Our learners can’t have proper group handwashing and toothbrushing activities because we don’t have enough water,” shared Judy Omapoy, School Head of Cabantian Elementary School. “In the program, it is important for kids to practice frequent handwashing, especially after the pandemic.”
She also recalled that when she was first assigned to the school in 2022, the handwashing facilities weren’t functional: “Pag-abot nako diri in 2022, naa nay group handwashing facilities, kaso wala pa gyud nagamit kay walay tubig. But in 2023, we revived it… pinalitan at dinagdagan ang faucets, and since then, we’ve started using it regularly because we finally have reliable water access.” (When I first arrived here in 2022, there were already group handwashing facilities, however, it was not functioning because there was no water. But in 2023, we revived it… we changed and added faucets, and since then, we’ve started using it regularly because we finally have reliable water access.)
Grade 6 Teacher Paler who has taught at Cabantian ES for twenty years, added: “Usahay si bata kay dili mangihi tungod kay hugaw ang CR pero sa lower grade sa una, nakabuhat gyud mi nga nagbitbit gyud ug arinola para pagkahuman kay isa lang ka yaboan. Ingana among ginabuhat sauna. Karon, functional na gyud atong mga CR which is good gyud sa mga bata.” (Sometimes the kids wouldn’t pee because the comfort room was dirty. Back then, especially in the lower grades, we really had to bring chamber pots (arinola) so that after using them, we could just pour the waste out in one go. That’s what we used to do. Now, our comfort rooms are really functional, which is really good for the kids.)
students. With improved 24/7 water access, the school has successfully met key criteria under DepEd’s Water, Sanitation,
and Hygiene in Schools (WinS) program and recently earned a 3-Star validation for its efforts.
These wins– improved sanitation and healthier school environments– reflect a larger effort. Behind this change is the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP), a partnership between the Davao City Water District and Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. subsidiary Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc., which treats up to 300 million liters of water per day from the Panigan-Tamugan Watershed.
Developed to meet Davao’s growing water needs while reducing dependence on groundwater, the DCBWSP has made it possible for communities like Cabantian to enjoy consistent, reliable water service. The improvements at Cabantian Elementary School remind us that water is more than just a utility — it’s a foundation for growth, learning, and public well-being. As we enjoy the benefits of cleaner, more reliable water today, we must also protect the source of this progress. Protecting the Panigan-Tamugan Watershed is protecting our future. When water flows, learning grows.
THE EMBASSY of Canada is pleased to announce that six organizations from across the Philippines will receive support from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) this year.
The following organizations and their respective projects will receive Canada Fund grants:
Guiuan Development Foundation (GDFI)’s “Building Climate and Coastal Resilience through Inclusive Integrated Coastal Zone Management in Northern Leyte Gulf” aims to strengthen climate and disaster resilience of seven coastal municipalities in Eastern Samar by promoting coastal governance, ecosystem restoration, and climate-adaptive and Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI)-sensitive livelihoods.
Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA)’s “Strengthening protection for women human rights defenders (WHRDs) through the development of a toolkit on technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV), and advancing other strategies to promote and protect their rights” seeks to provide a better understanding of TFGBV and increase the capacity of WHRDs as they use and navigate online spaces in their work and advocacy.
Marine Environment and Resources Foundation (MERF)’s “Strengthening Marine Scientific Research in Pag-asa Island Through Biodiversity Assessments” expands marine scientific research on Pag-asa Island to assess its biodiversity and coastal resources, contributing to deeper understanding of the status and connectivity of the ecosystem in the West Philippine Sea.
Geneva Call’s “Strengthening the Crisis Action Response Team to prevent and respond to local violence before, during, and after the election periods in BARMM” aims to strengthen the processes of Crisis Response Action Team (CRAT) coordinated by BARMM’s Peace, Security and Reconciliation Office (PSRO) to prevent and respond to violence involving armed group members before, during, and after the election periods in BARMM.
Intersex Philippines (IXPI)’s “I.N.T.E.R.S.E.X: Informing the Nation, Transforming Engagement, and Raising Support for Equality and eXistence” with the goal to advance the rights and visibility of intersex Filipinos by increasing public awareness, strengthening national policy advocacy, and building institutional support for inclusive laws and programs.
Mindanao Institute of Journalism (MIJ)’s “Amplifying frontline voices in climate resilience in Mindanao through multimedia storytelling” champions environmental protection by raising awareness about climate threats and unsustainable practices in vital areas. It intends to revitalize Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and showcase community-led climate solutions, inspiring wider adoption and strengthening advocacy for vulnerable ecosystems.
“CFLI is a recognition of the fundamental importance to democracy of creating and preserving space for civil society, academia, human rights advocates, and local and national government to work together constructively and collaboratively to advance shared goals for the improvement of local communities,” Canada’s Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman said.
CFLI is a competitive grants program run by the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines, which provides direct financial support to local organizations for projects that promote inclusive governance, in areas such as the empowerment of women and girls, strengthening democracy, protecting the environment, advancing human rights, and promoting the rule of law.
For more information about CFLI activities in the Philippines, including the process for submitting proposals, please contact the Program Coordinator at manil.cfli@international.gc.ca.
BY ALEX ALAGON
by Aravella A. Quimbo, DSSC Intern
DAVAO CITY — Nicole Hao Bian Ledesma, the president of Davao Tourism Association, representing the Davao Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., and the private sector expressed her full support for the upcoming Kadayawan Festival 2025, the city’s grandest celebration, happening this August in Davao City.
Ledesma said that they are supporting the festival through a series of initiatives aimed at boosting tourism, showcasing local culture, and stimulating economic activity in the city.
As early as the start of 2025, the tourism industry began preparing for the Kadayawan Festival, recognizing its huge draw for local and international visitors.
“The tourism industry has really been prepared for Kadayawan, even at the very start of the year, because we all know this is really the biggest festival. Our operations are now in full swing. Hotels have started releasing their various promos to attract tourist to attend the festival. The travel and tourism sector has also developed new tourism products or tours that we can offer to our guests,” she said.
In anticipation of the tourist influx, hotels will launched a special promos, while the travel and tourism sector has introduced new cultural experiences to enrich visitor or even local’s engagement.
Ledesma highlighted the two major additions to this year’s tourism offerings for kadayawan festival: the Palengke Tour or Market Tour which highlights the abundance of fresh produce, fruits, and traditional food in Davao City. And the Chocolate, Coffee and Cacao Tour a flavorful journey through Davao’s award-winning cacao and coffee farms, showcasing the locally produced chocolates and coffee beans recognized both locally and internationally.
To support these efforts, local restaurants are also preparing food deals and discount programs to encourage both tourists and locals to dine out.
One key initiative is the “Kaontabay” Food Discount Card, spearheaded by the Davao Tourism Association and with the JCI Partnerships, which grants discounts at 40 homegrown partner restaurants in Davao City for the entire month of August 2025.
Aside from promoting economic activity, Ledesma emphasized that Kadayawan is a celebration of Davao’s cultural identity, through the representation of its 11 tribes.
Moreover, discounts, promos, and event schedules will be accessible through the websites and social media pages of each partner restaurant such as Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok. In addition, there will be a Food Bazaar located at the back of Rizal Bolton St. extension.
Aboitiz Renewables Inc., the renewable energy arm of Aboitiz Power Corporation
(AboitizPower), has secured the “Final Certificate of Approval to Connect” (FCATC)
from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) for its Calatrava Solar
Power Plant in Negros Occidental, signaling the facility’s readiness for commercial
operation.
The FCATC confirmed that the 137.4 MWac Calatrava Solar Power Plant meets NGCP’s
technical and operational requirements for grid connection, making it the largest
operating solar and variable renewable energy (VRE) facility in the Visayas.
Located in San Isidro, Calatrava, Negros Occidental, the solar plant is expected to
enhance energy availability in the region and support broader national objectives to
scale up VRE integration across the grid.
”Aboitiz Renewables is able to complete great projects like the Calatrava SPP with the
strong collaboration from NGCP. We appreciate NGCP for working closely with us to
bring this project online, and helping us progress our humble mission to deliver
affordable, reliable, clean energy to customers,” said Aboitiz Renewables President
Jimmy Villaroman.
“This milestone adds significant capacity to the grid, helps electricity suppliers meet
their Renewable Portfolio Standards obligations, and is another step forward for the
country as far as our nationwide energy transition objectives are concerned,” he added.
largest operating solar and variable renewable energy installation in the Visayas — a milestone in the region’s
clean energy transition.
As part of its expanding renewable energy pipeline, Aboitiz Renewables is also
preparing to energize two more solar projects in Luzon. The Olongapo Solar Power
Plant in Olongapo City is currently 95% complete and is on track for testing and
commissioning by the third quarter of 2025.
Meanwhile, construction continues on the San Manuel Solar Power Plant in Pangasinan,
and is targeting the same commissioning window. These upcoming facilities will
connect to NGCP’s Castillejos 230 kV and San Manuel 69 kV substations, respectively.
“The successful grid integration of Calatrava SPP, alongside these upcoming projects,
highlights Aboitiz Renewables’ momentum in contributing to the country’s renewable
energy growth,” added Villaroman.
MANILA — As online gambling continues to grow in the Philippines and remains at the center of national conversations, a recent study suggests that better regulations—not an outright ban—are needed to create a safer playing environment and prevent the proliferation of unregulated gambling platforms.
This is the key finding from the latest study by Filipino-focused sociocultural research firm The Fourth Wall, which analyzed the behaviors, motivations, and perceptions of Filipino online gamblers, particularly those using regulated platforms.
The study surveyed over 1,000 current online gambling players from urbanized areas across Mega Manila, Metro Cebu, Metro Davao, and key cities in other growth centers nationwide. Among those surveyed, the majority migrated from informal or unregulated street gambling environments, such as sabong, perya, or social media betting, and only 7% from land-based casinos.
The study categorized the respondents based on different levels of risk, self-perception, and gambling behavior. It found that 36% of respondents were ‘break-even optimists,’ or those who believe they break even, gamble moderately, and don’t borrow funds. Meanwhile, 12% of them are ‘risky borrowing high-frequency bettors’—individuals with a high borrowing rate and relatively frequent gambling, placing them at risk of financial strain. Most of those surveyed (85%) do not borrow money for betting.
According to the study, curiosity, boredom, and peer influence were the top reasons for trying online gambling, and only 8% of respondents cite platform perks like bonuses and convenience, suggesting gambling is not merely a transactional activity but a social and recreational activity for many Filipinos.
Safety and legitimacy are top priorities for online gambling players, saying they look for platforms that are legitimate to avoid scams, emphasizing the need for trustworthy platforms and effective regulation to guard against cheating and illegal gambling. However, even regulated platforms are not immune to user frustrations. Delayed withdrawals, lost money, and app glitches like login issues, errors during betting, and app crashes, are players’ top concerns.
The study highlights a strong preference for access to regulated online gambling with safeguards over outright prohibition. Over half of the respondents (53%) oppose a ban on regulated online gambling, while only 18% support it. Meanwhile, another 16% agree with a ban but with reservations. For 75% of online gambling players, a ban will not stop online gambling and would instead drive people toward illegal sites, social media betting, and unregulated foreign platforms. Instead, a majority (80%) support banning unregulated online gambling platforms mainly to avoid scams and curb addiction, especially among youth and low-income groups.
“Our study reveals a greater preference for safer and regulated platforms among Filipino online gambling players. There is an understanding among them that an outright ban won’t stop online gambling, but instead pushes it underground, increasing risks like scams and addiction through unregulated channels. This suggests their call for regulation is rooted in safer options and better consumer protection,” John Brylle L. Bae, research director at The Fourth Wall, said.
Latest data reports a 76% surge in online gambling scams in unregulated gambling platforms, revealing scammers are now targeting vulnerable users on social media, especially on Facebook.
The sentiment aligns with broader concerns raised in response to proposals for a total ban—particularly the risk that such a move could drive players toward unregulated platforms, as noted by some lawmakers in both the Lower and Upper Houses.
Furthermore, the study looked at players’ perceptions of government regulation. About 73% of those surveyed say regulation from institutions such as PAGCOR matters. In particular, 61% believe PAGCOR is doing its job, but a significant 34% remain unsure, citing limited understanding of the agency’s full responsibilities. This finding points to a need not only for regulation, but for clearer public education and transparent communication from regulators
The study observed that online gambling adoption surged post-pandemic from 2022 to 2024, with the strong influence of lockdowns, digital migration, and possibly increased advertising and social influence as factors. In 2024, online gambling recorded PHP 410 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR), and it is projected to reach up to PHP 480 billion this year.
Additionally, e-wallets play a key role in responsible gambling. The majority of players (92%) prefer using GCash, followed by Maya (6%), while only 2% use over-the-counter payment outlets. Approximately 73% of e-wallet users trust the platforms’ age and identity checks, and 64% believe these platforms effectively help them regulate their spending, enabling them to play responsibly.
“The study is not about promoting or going against gambling, but about recognizing both the cultural realities and regulatory responsibilities at hand, with the ultimate aim of protecting people. As online gambling continues to rise in the country, there must be a shift toward more data-driven, research-informed dialogue toward regulation and policymaking,” Bae emphasized.
To get full access to the report, you may visit www.fourthwallglobal.com/phonlinegambling or follow The Fourth Wall’s LinkedIn page.
Photo credit Niek Duop/Unsplash
