Manila Times

1. PH breaks ground for first rehabilitation camp for children in conflict with the law

   MANILA, Philippines — After five decades of dormancy, a long-envisioned idea to transform the country's approach to juvenile justice is finally breaking ground — quite literally.

   Government officials gathered this week at the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Puerto Princesa to launch the country's first Agricultural Camp for Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL), marking a historic pivot from punitive detention to rehabilitative reintegration.

   The 150-hectare site inside the Inagawan Sub-Colony, donated by the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), will soon host what officials call a "model facility" — one that will trade bars and concrete for rice fields, greenhouses, and classrooms.

   "This AgriCamp is not just a facility. It is a promise — a promise that even those who have faltered early in life deserve a second chance in a setting that heals rather than harms," said Bureau of Corrections Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., who led the groundbreaking ceremony.

   Catapang was joined by Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian and Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan.

   The camp, with a P90 million budget, is expected to be completed by early 2026. It is designed to comply with Section 15 of Republic Act 9344, also known as the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (JJWA), which promotes alternatives to traditional imprisonment for minors.

   Instead of being confined to conventional jails, qualified CICLs will engage in agricultural and vocational training, receive formal education, and benefit from psychosocial and life skills programs — all under the supervision of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

   "We are investing in future farmers, engineers, and community leaders — not criminals," said Secretary Gatchalian, emphasizing the DSWD's role in providing funding and program guidance. "This isn't just a farm. It's a future-building facility."

   Under a memorandum of agreement signed in February 2025, the DSWD will fund and oversee the programmatic content, BuCor will handle operations and security, and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will construct the facility — a rare inter-agency collaboration aimed at social justice.

   Catapang described the camp as a "critical shift away from traditional incarceration," highlighting its potential to reshape how the country views youth justice and rehabilitation.

   The Iwahig Prison itself is no stranger to unconventional reforms. Known for its open-air layout and self-sustaining farms, it has long been a symbol of progressive penal philosophy in the country.

   Now, with the new AgriCamp, it may well become a blueprint for future juvenile reform.

2. China claims PH ship stopped from entering Scarborough Shoal

   MANILA, Philippines — China has confirmed that its People's Liberation Army ship "tracked and monitored" the Philippine vessel and prevented it from entering the disputed territory of Scarborough Shoal this week.

   In a statement late Thursday night, Air Force Colonel Tian Junli, spokesman for the PLA's Southern Theater Command, said PLA forces "managed to escort the frigate away from the contentious waters of Scarborough Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc," asserting that China's actions aligned with international laws and regulations.

   Tian emphasized the "professionalism and legitimacy" of the Chinese operation, underlining a commitment to upholding China's sovereignty over the disputed territory.

   The incident happened on May 5 when the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported that its naval vessel, BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS35), was subjected to aggressive maneuvers from the PLA Navy during routine patrols aimed at supporting the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

   Approximately 11.8 nautical miles southeast of the Shoal, two Chinese PLA Navy vessels and a China Coast Guard ship engaged in assertive actions against PS35.

   The Chinese frigate BN 554 shadowed the Philippine vessel while another Chinese ship executed high-risk maneuvers that posed a significant danger of collision.

   The AFP expressed grave concerns over the conduct of the Chinese maritime forces, which it deemed reckless and in violation of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs).

   Military officials commended the professionalism exhibited by the crew aboard BRP Emilio Jacinto, reinforcing their commitment to protecting the Philippines' sovereignty and maritime rights in the West Philippine Sea.

3. Alyansa ends campaign with Miting de Avance in Mandaluyong

   MANILA, Philippines - After 16 major campaign sorties across the country, the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial slate will hold a final grand rally in Mandaluyong City on Friday, May 9.

   The candidates endorsed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will hold their Miting de Avance along Nueve de Febrero Street, the historic site of Mandaluyong City's liberation and founding day.

   Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco, Alyansa's campaign manager, said the Mandaluyong rally would serve as the final push for the 11-member administration's slate anchored on the "Bagong Pilipinas" agenda of unity, reform and strong national leadership.

   "This Miting de Avance is the final rallying cry of a campaign powered by the people," Tiangco said in a statement.

   "From the first rally in Laoag to the final stage in Mandaluyong, the message has been the same—Filipinos want a Senate that delivers for them," he added.

   Tiangco also expressed confidence that Alyansa would stay focused on national interest.

   "Let us pick candidates who will support President Marcos' legislative agenda and people's interests until the end of his term. Let us shun candidates who at this point have already set their sights on the 2028 polls," he said.

   The Alyansa slate is composed of former Interior secretary Benhur Abalos, Makati City Mayor Abby Binay, Sen. Bong Revilla, Sen. Pia Cayetano, former senator Ping Lacson, Sen. Lito Lapid, former senator Manny Pacquiao, former Senate President Tito Sotto, Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino, ACT-CIS Rep. Erwin Tulfo, and Las Piñas City Rep. Camille Villar.

   Tiangco said that Marcos was expected to deliver a message of unity and gratitude at the Mandaluyong rally.

   "The rally in Mandaluyong will show just how strong and united the Filipino people are behind Alyansa and the vision of Bagong Pilipinas," he said.

   Since launching its campaign on Feb. 11 in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, Alyansa has held 15 rallies nationwide, each led by President Marcos and drawing thousands of supporters. The campaign trail brought Alyansa to key cities and provinces including Iloilo City on Feb. 13; Carmen, Davao del Norte on Feb. 15; Pasay City on Feb. 18; Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental on Feb. 20; Bacolod City, Negros Occidental on Feb. 21; and San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan on Feb. 28.

   In March, rallies were held in Pili, Camarines Sur on March 7; Tacloban City, Leyte on March 14; Trece Martires, Cavite on March 21; and Santa Rosa City, Laguna on March 22.

   The slate also visited Antipolo City, Rizal on April 4; Dagupan City, Pangasinan on April 25, Lucena City, Quezon on May 2, Batangas City on May 3, and Malolos City, Bulacan on May 7.

   Alyansa candidates also joined a major campaign rally on May 5 in Dumanjug, Cebu, organized by One Cebu, the regional party led by Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia.

   On April 23, the Alyansa slate was warmly received by Pampanga's top officials, led by Gov. Dennis "Delta" Pineda and Vice Gov. Lilia "Nanay Baby" Pineda.

   Recent surveys show Alyansa candidates gaining momentum, with all of them positioned to win as the campaign enters its final stretch.

4. Oil firms likely to lower pump prices next week

   Manila, Philippines — Oil industry sources said that fuel prices will likely go down next week, due mostly to the plans of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (OPEC+) to increase oil production in June.

   They said that gasoline prices are expected to go down by around P0.30 to P0.75 per liter, and diesel prices by P1 to P1.35 per liter.

   The cost of kerosene may be lowered by P1.30 to P1.45 per liter.

   These estimates are based on the four-day trading of Mean of Platts Singapore, the pricing basis of refined goods in Southeast Asia.

   On May 6, oil companies reduced gasoline prices by P0.55 per liter, diesel by P0.65 per liter, and kerosene by P0.90 per liter.

5. Two Solid North bus drivers found positive for drugs

   A mandatory drug test conducted by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has revealed two drivers of Solid North Bus Inc. tested positive for illegal substances.

   The test results came just days after one of the company's buses slammed into multiple vehicles at a Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) toll booth on May 1 that resulted in the death of 10 people. The license of the driver who figured in the accident has been revoked.

   In the wake of the disaster, the LTO ordered all Solid North bus drivers to undergo a drug test. It also conducted comprehensive roadworthiness inspections of the bus firms' entire fleet. So far, initial assessments found 46 of the company's 276 buses to be compliant with roadworthiness standards. The LTO continues to check the remaining bus units.

   The LTO said those who tested positive in the drug test will be subjected to confirmatory tests, and may face perpetual revocation of their license and other criminal charges.

6. Easterlies to bring cloudy skies, scattered rains across PH

   The easterlies would bring cloudy skies with scattered rain showers over the country, state weather bureau PAGASA said in its early Friday morning advisory.

   Aurora province in Central Luzon would have cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms due to the weather system. Flash floods or landslides could occur in areas affected by moderate to at times heavy rains.

   Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the rest of the country would have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.

   Pagasa said flash floods or landslides could occur during severe thunderstorms.

   The wind speed forecast for Northern Luzon is light to moderate and coastal waters would be slight to moderate.

   Also, the rest of the country would experience light to moderate winds moving in the east to southeast direction and coastal waters would be slight to moderate.

7. PH slams Chinese warship maneuvers

   (UPDATE) THE Philippines criticized on Thursday a "high-risk" maneuver by a Chinese vessel near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in a rare incident involving warships from the two navies.

   The Scarborough Shoal — a triangular chain of reefs and rocks in the contested South China Sea — has been a flash point between the countries since China seized it from the Philippines in 2012.

   Monday's encounter took place about 11.8 nautical miles southeast of the Scarborough Shoal, the military said, during ongoing US-Philippine military exercises that Beijing has slammed as destabilizing.

   "The Chinese frigate BN 554 was documented tailing PS35 (BRP Emilio Jacinto) at close range, while BN 573 dangerously crossed its bow in a high-risk maneuver that created the danger of collision," the military said in a statement, labeling the incident "threatening and provocative."

   China in response accused Manila of sending a ship to "intrude" into its territorial waters.

   Its military said it had sent "naval and air forces to track, monitor, warn and drive away the Philippine boat in accordance with laws and regulations."

   "The relevant remarks of the Philippines side disregarded the facts, confused the public and attempted to mislead international cognition," said Col. Tian Junli, spokesman for the Chinese military's Southern Theater Command.

   In a phone interview, Navy spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, RAdm. Roy Vincent Trinidad said the Chinese ships went as close as 25 to 50 meters to the BRP Emilio Jacinto.

   He said the Navy ship was not cowed and maintained its course, proceeding with its mission undeterred.

   "If you are going to alter course, you don't know what the other side will do, and this may lead to collision... What's important is you remain steady," Trinidad said.

   He said the Chinese, by getting to such close distance, appeared to be "testing us."

   Asked if the Philippine Navy personnel considered firing a warning shot, Trinidad said: "All these things, if we understand Chinese warfighting thought, they will do everything up to the level of below the use of force, below actual firing, below the threshold of conflict."

   "So they would push us to fire the first shot. It's important that we know this so we can explain this to our troops. And we have already issued the rules of engagement. We have many reminders that all their actions must be within the bounds of law and the rules of engagement," added Trinidad.

   Trinidad said the possibility of a clash breaking out in the area is remote "because our people know the rules of engagement in domestic and international laws."

   He said the incident will not deter the Philippine Navy from conducting similar patrols in the area which he said is part of the Philippine territory.

   "We will keep performing the patrols," said Trinidad.

   On whether the Chinese actions mean China is now in total control of the shoal, Trinidad said: "No, they are not in control. We both have access. They have access, we have access. They are not in control."

   "We are not going to be deterred from patrolling our features in the West Philippines, including the northern islands, and Bajo de Masinloc," Trinidad said.

   Trinidad said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had already been informed of the latest incident.

   He said the last such encounter between warships from the two navies he could remember was on a resupply mission in the South China Sea two years ago.

   The Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) Public Affairs Office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS 35) was on patrol near the Scarborough Shoal when three Chinese vessels emerged and subjected the Philippine Navy warship to "aggressive and dangerous maneuvers."

   The Navy ship was on patrol operating in support of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and Philippine Coast Guard, the AFP spokesman said.

   It described the Chinese actions as "reckless," adding that such actions posed a "direct threat to the safety of navigation" of BRP Emilio Jacinto and violated the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.

   "The Armed Forces of the Philippines expresses its serious concern over these irresponsible actions by Chinese maritime forces. Such threatening and provocative conduct can lead to misunderstanding that may escalate tensions and impact regional stability," it added.

   Alexander Lopez of Manila's National Maritime Council said the Chinese vessel had been "dangerously close" to its Philippine counterpart.

   The ship crossing the bow of the BRP Emilio Jacinto had come within about 180 meters (590 feet), he said, leaving "no room for any maneuver, for any emergency cases."

   China and the Philippines have engaged in months of confrontations in the South China Sea, which Beijing claims in nearly its entirety despite an international ruling that its assertion has no merit.

   A Filipino sailor lost a thumb last June when Chinese coast guard members wielding knives, sticks and an axe foiled a Philippine Navy attempt to resupply its troops stationed on the Second Thomas Shoal.

   The joint US-Philippine exercises known as Balikatan, which this year were to simulate a "full-scale battle scenario," are set to end Friday.

8. Pasig bet Sia disqualified for sexist remarks

   (UPDATE) THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has disqualified Christian "Ian" de Guzman Sia as candidate for congressman in the lone district of Pasig City for repeatedly using sexist, offensive remarks in violation of the poll body's anti-discrimination and fair campaigning guidelines.

   In a 10-page resolution promulgated on May 7, the Comelec Second Division, chaired by Commissioner Rey Bulay, and Commissioners Nelson Celis and Noli Pipo as members, found Sia liable for violation of Comelec Resolutions 11116, as amended by Resolution 11127, and Section 261(e) of the Omnibus Election Code.

   The Comelec Task Force on Safeguarding Against Fear and Exclusion in Elections (Task Force SAFE), headed by Director Sonia Bea Wee-Lozada, filed a motu proprio petition for disqualification against Sia for violating on two separate occasions the commission's anti-discrimination and fair campaigning guidelines.

   "After a careful and thorough evaluation of the statements of the respondent delivered publicly, the commission (Second Division) finds sufficient basis to hold that the respondent committed election offense in violation of Section 261(e) of the OEC and Section 3 of Comelec Resolution 11116," the resolution read.

   "Accordingly, Respondent is hereby DISQUALIFIED from continuing as a candidate for Member, House of Representatives, Lone Legislative District of Pasig City, in relation to the 2025 National and Local Elections," it added.

   Sia may still appeal the case to the commission en banc or directly to the Supreme Court.

   In the same resolution, the Second Division said that in the event that Sia obtains the highest number of votes, "his proclamation shall be suspended until the final resolution of this case."

   In granting the petition for disqualification, the Second Division explained that the quoted remarks of Sia delivered in a public forum and directed at solo parents were sexually suggestive, objectifying and degrading.

   In a separate campaign rally, Sia made additional remarks directed at a female staff member whom he publicly summoned to the stage. He proceeded to draw attention to her physical appearance, inviting the crowd to compare her current body to how she looked years ago and suggested that old photographs be shown for comparison.

   "These acts clearly fall within the scope of Section 261(e) of the OEC.This provision penalizes acts that cause injury or disadvantage to a person's honor. In this case, the respondent's remarks, delivered during campaign activities and further amplified through media, inflicted reputational and emotional harm on the women concerned," the resolution said.

   It added that Comelec Resolution 11116 sets clear standards for campaign conduct, prohibiting discriminatory, sexist or harassing language that compromises public decency and dignity.

   "The respondent's repeated use of gendered, offensive remarks in his campaign engagements violated these standards and reflected conduct grossly unbecoming of one seeking public office," it said.

   Sia, in response to the two show cause orders earlier issued by Task Force SAFE, argued that Resolution 11116 suffers from constitutional infirmity as it was promulgated pursuant to Section 13 of Republic Act 9006 and must be for the implementation of said law, which is in relation to equal time and opportunity in relation to the posting of election propaganda.

   He further claimed that Resolution 11116 seeks to implement, among others, the Magna Carta for Women and the Safe Spaces Act, and asserted that these statutes are "outside the jurisdiction of the... commission, as its power is limited to the enforcement and administration of laws and regulations relative to the conduct of an election, plebiscite, initiative, referendum or recall."

   Gabriela party-list welcomed the Comelec decision, calling it a "clear landmark victory for women."

   In a statement, Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas also said that Sia's disqualification is the first time an alleged misogynist candidate has been removed from the race.

   "This ruling must serve as a wake-up call to the entire political establishment: misogyny is not just unbecoming of public servants — it is despicable and dangerous, and must be treated as such," Brosas said.

   She thanked the Comelec for acting on its own the disqualification case, and for ruling in favor of solo mothers who were "utterly disrespected and degraded with Sia's lewd remarks.

   "But more importantly, we thank all Filipino women who spoke out and stayed vigilant on Sia's case," Brosas said.

   Meanwhile, the Comelec dismissed the disqualification petition against Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar over allegations of vote-buying.

   The Comelec Task Force on Kontra Bigay, in a letter dated May 7, said that it was satisfied with Villar's explanation that she did not violate the election law against vote-buying and vote-selling, because the event in question was not a campaign sortie but a promotional event of ALLTV2 Network, where she was invited as guest.

   She also said "the event took place on Feb. 9, which is prior to the start of the campaign period for senatorial candidates, which started on Feb. 11, 2025."

   Villar welcomed the dismissal and thanked the Comelec.

   "I assure everyone that I am running on a clean platform, pursuing only my advocacies that aim to make lives better for the Filipinos," she said.

9. Riders party-list climbs in OCTA poll

   THE Angkasangga party-list is hopeful of getting at least two seats at the House of Representatives after a recent survey.

   In the latest Tugon ng Masa survey by OCTA Research conducted from April 20 to 24, the newly established party-list garnered 2.51 percent of the vote, placing it 13th overall among party-lists.

   This was a significant jump for Angkasangga after the previous survey last April 10 to 16 showed it garnered 1.98 percent of the vote and only enough to win just one seat.

   Its first nominee and Angkas founder George Royeca welcomed the development.

   "We are overwhelmed and deeply grateful for the growing support of our fellow Filipinos," he said.

   "This is a clear sign that our advocacy among workers and motorcycle riders is getting stronger. Once we reach Congress, we will serve as their voice and to champion their rights," Royeca added.

   The Angkasangga party-list seeks to integrate motorcycles into the national transport plans of the government, noting that thousands of informal workers, tricycle drivers, vendors and freelancers depend on this transportation method for their livelihoods. It also advocates key labor reforms that include paid sick leave and government-mandated benefits for informal workers and accident insurance for Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association members.

   Royeca reiterated the party-list's commitment in championing the rights and welfare of informal workers while in Congress, as well as addressing issues like job creation, protection of workers and issues regarding public transportation.

   The April 20 to 24 Tugon ng Masa party-list survey showed Tingog (5.68 percent voter preference) and Ako Bicol (4.56 percent) occupy the top 2, which would guarantee them three seats at the House of Representatives, while Agimat (4.20 percent), ACT-CIS (3.74 percent) and Duterte Youth (3.50 percent) round up the top five, and are assured two House seats.

10. Black smoke billows; cardinals set to vote again

    VATICAN CITY — Thick black smoke billowed Thursday from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel in a sign that cardinals again failed to elect a new head of the Catholic Church.

    Among the thousands of Catholics and curious tourists massed in St. Peter's Square, there was applause but also sighs at the result, which came after the second and third ballots.

    The 133 cardinals voting for a successor to Pope Francis as head of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics were shut in for the secretive conclave on Wednesday evening.

    Sequestered away from the world, they communicate their progress by burning their ballot papers and sending up smoke through the chimney of the frescoed 15th-century chapel.

    Black smoke means no one has secured the minimum two-thirds majority — 89 votes — and white smoke signals the election of the 267th pope.

    The first black smoke on Wednesday evening arrived some three hours and 15 minutes after the cardinals closed their doors, greeted with some disappointment by the assembled crowds.

    But many people returned on Thursday, where the red-robed prelates held two more ballots in the morning. They were scheduled to hold another two in the afternoon and then four more on Friday, unless a pope is elected sooner.

    "I don't want it rushed — whatever they need to do to make the right decision," said Barbara Mason, 50, who traveled from Canada for the conclave.

    She was hoping for a pope who will continue in Francis' progressive footsteps, especially as a champion of the environment and migrants, "going forward, not going backward." Francis, a charismatic Argentine reformer who sought to open up the Church during his 12 years as pope, died on April 21 age 88.

    Oath of secrecy

    Paolo Cabrera, 40, from the Philippines, arrived early at the Vatican with his wife Cynthia to secure a spot as close as possible to St. Peter's Basilica, where the new pontiff will be presented to the world from the balcony after the vote.

    "It is very, very exciting to be here," he said.

    As Filipinos, they said they were rooting for their compatriot Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, one of the favorites — but said that they would be happy with "anybody appointed by God." The cardinal electors — all those ages under 80 — spent the night in the Santa Marta guesthouse and were to seek divine inspiration at private Mass early Thursday before starting to vote again.

    Seated at tables and chairs laid out beneath Michelangelo's frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, each cardinal must write down their choice for pope on a ballot paper and take it to the altar, where it is put in a silver urn.

    After the ballots have been counted, they are burned in a cast iron stove dating back to 1939. Chemicals are added to a second, newer stove, connected to the same flue, which color the smoke.

    While their procession into the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday was broadcast live by the Vatican, including on screens in St. Peter's Square, the feed cut as soon as they locked the doors.

    The cardinals had to leave their phones behind and took an oath not to reveal the secrets of the conclave on pain of excommunication — and they will stay until they make a decision.

    Waiting

    In 2005, Pope Benedict XVI was elected in four ballots and Pope Francis in 2013 in five ballots.

    But experts warn the 2025 conclave — the largest and the most international ever, assembling cardinals from around 70 countries — could take longer.

    There is no clear front-runner to succeed Francis, with the cardinals representing a range of progressive and conservative traditions within the Church.

    The challenges facing the 2,000-year-old institution are clear, and the new pope after his election will need to tread carefully amid geopolitical uncertainty, while addressing deep fractions within the Church.