STATEMENT OF SENATOR FRANCIS ‘CHIZ’G. ESCUDERO

The current impasse in the Senate is untenable and unacceptable.

When political divisions become too extreme and obstruct our mandate, we must all have the courage to pause, gain perspective, reflect, consider and realize that we should put the  Senate, as the institution that we serve, above ourselves.

This is not a political contest. I am not taking sides. I am taking a stand for the Senate. My allegiance is not to any faction, personality, group or alliance. This is not about loyalty, betrayal, or choosing one group over the other—this is about duty.

Hindi ito usaping pampulitika. Wala akong sinasamahan o iniiwanang grupo, pangkat o paksyon. Hindi ko sinasabi na may mali o tama o may nagkulang o nagmalabis kaninuman. Ngunit hindi pwedeng manatili tayo sa ganitong sitwasyon. Ang naaapektuhan na ay ang mismong kakayahan ng Senado na gampanan ang kaniyang tungkulin sa bayan.

Ito ang rason at dahilan ng aking pasya ngayong araw na ito. Hinihiling ko ang inyong pag-unawa sa amin, kasabay ng inyong panalangin para sa inyong Senado na malampasan ang hamon na ito at patuloy na magampanan namin ang aming tungkulin sa inyo at sa sambayanan.

Asia Pacific organizations struggle to cybersecurity, AI-driven threats

 CEBU CITY – Asia Pacific organizations are struggling to keep pace as cybersecurity complexity and AI-driven threats strain their current ability to respond effectively, revealed findings of a new study commissioned by Fortinet, the driving force in the evolution of cybersecurity and the convergence of networking and security.

Forrester Consulting supplemented this research with custom survey questions asked of 585 APAC decision-makers and influencers of their organization’s cybersecurity solutions. The custom survey began and was completed in March 2026.

“Organizations across APAC are facing a dual challenge, rapidly evolving AI-driven threats and increasing internal complexity. While investment remains strong, many are still struggling to operationalize security effectively. Moving toward integrated, platform-based approaches will be critical to improving visibility, efficiency, and resilience,” said Amelia Lau, Forrester Consulting Project Lead.

The study highlights cybersecurity risks driven by more advanced attackers and increasingly complex environments, and continued investment in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI).

The findings point to a clear shift toward simplifying security architectures, improving operational efficiency, and embedding AI into unified platforms.

It bared that 57 percent of organizations cite AI-driven threats as a top concern, while 54 percent highlight fragmented tools and architectures and overwhelming alert volumes.

Security operations are under pressure, with 50 percent of organizations reporting that alert volume makes it difficult to distinguish real threats, and 48 percent still relying on manual workflows. Cybersecurity maturity remains constrained, with 68 percent of organizations at an intermediate stage and only 16 percent reaching advanced levels.

These findings saw a clear shift as complexity moves beyond an operational challenge to become a core driver of cyber risk. 

Shift to platform-based security gains momentum

Organizations are accelerating their move toward unified, platform-based security architectures. While only 20 percent operate a unified platform today, this is expected to rise to 59 percent over the next 12–24 months, it said.

The shift is being driven by the need to reduce tool sprawl with 58 percent, improve integration, at 52 percent and manage growing hybrid complexity, 49 percent.  Despite these challenges, organizations continue to prioritize improving threat detection at 40 percent and incident response, 39 percent, underscoring the growing gap between security expectations and operational reality.

Findings said that future priorities reflect this transition, with organizations focusing on SOC automation, improved visibility, and platform consolidation to enhance efficiency and scale operations.

However, challenges remain that 51 percent cite migration cost and disruption as barriers and 46 percent remain uncertain about platform capabilities across domains.  Despite these concerns, findings bared that organizations expect to see these benefits through consolidation.

It said that 90 percent of organizations expect improvements in operational metrics, with over 60 percent anticipating gains of at least 10 percent in areas such as detection and response times, analyst productivity, and overall, SOC efficiency.

The findings suggest that platform-based security is becoming an increasingly important operational approach for organizations seeking to reduce complexity and improve efficiency.

“Customers today are dealing with increasingly complex environments, where fragmented tools, limited visibility, and growing alert volumes are making it harder to detect and respond to threats effectively,” according to Bambi Escalante, Country Manager, Fortinet Philippines.

Escalante added that at the same time, these organizations are looking to leverage AI to improve speed and efficiency but often lack the integrated foundation to do so.  

AI Investment surges, but readiness and integration lag

AI is emerging as both a growing threat vector and a critical enabler of defense, 91 percent of organizations plan to increase AI budgets, with over half expecting double-digit growth. More than 60 percent expect AI to improve detection accuracy, accelerate response, and strengthen overall security posture.

Organizations also see AI as key to reducing complexity, with 58 percent expecting consistent policy enforcement, 57 percent centralized control, and 56 percent reduced manual workflows.

However, readiness gaps persist: Fragmented environments, limited automation, and lack of unified data are hindering effective AI adoption and many organizations are still building the foundational capabilities required to operationalize AI at scale.

This underscores that realizing AI’s potential in security operations depends heavily on having integrated environments and unified data foundations in place.

“At Fortinet, we are helping organizations simplify their security architecture and strengthen resilience through a unified, platform-based approach that brings together visibility, automation, and AI-driven intelligence,” Escalante said.

According to Rashish Pandey, VP of Marketing and Communications, APAC, Fortinet, organizations are placing significant expectations on AI to transform security operations, from improving detection to accelerating response. However, AI can only deliver meaningful outcomes when it is built on an integrated foundation.

“Without unified visibility and connected data across environments, AI risks amplifying complexity rather than reducing it. Integration is what enables AI to operate at scale and deliver real security impact,” Pandey said.

PhilHealth YAKAP reaches senior citizens in Madridejos, Cebu

BANTAYAN ISLAND, Cebu — PhilHealth Regional Office (PRO) joined in the National Commission of Senior Citizens’ (NCSC) Caravan of Services and the launch of the Senior Citizens’ Center on May 29, bringing essential health services closer to the elderly community in Madridejos town in Bantayan Island, Cebu.

PhilHealth-7 Acting Regional Vice President (ARVP) Jenet Ann Advincula bared that with 33,287 registered PhilHealth members and dependents in Madridejos as of 2025, PhilHealth continues to strengthen awareness of YAKAP to help residents access preventive healthcare services on the island and maintain their well‑being.

PhilHealth, through the Local Health Insurance Office (LHIO) in Danao City facilitated a Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) Caravan, serving around 350 senior citizens for onsite registration, membership record updating, ID card printing, and assistance on YAKAP Clinic selection, Advincula said.

LHIO Danao personnel, led by Chief Social Insurance Officer Ruhneb Cabiara, made sure that frontline services were readily accessible to elderly residents.  The activity also featured an onsite First Patient Encounter, the mandatory initial health screening and baseline data collection, conducted by the Madridejos Rural Health Unit, an accredited YAKAP Clinic, with support from the Cebu Provincial Health Office and the Department of Health.

 This collaboration allowed senior citizens to immediately begin accessing preventive and primary care services under the program.  Advincula urged senior citizens to register with YAKAP PhilHealth to maximize their PhilHealth benefits.

Madridejos Mayor Romeo Villaceran expressed his appreciation to the participating agencies, including PhilHealth, and emphasized the importance of collective efforts in providing dignity, security, and meaningful services to the town’s elderly population.

The activity also brought together partner government agencies, including the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO).

Cebu Provincial Governor Pamela Baricuatro, Fourth District Representative Sun Shimura, Madridejos Mayor Romeo Villaceran, NCSC Regional Director Jocelyn Tabotabo, and members of the Cebu Provincial Board were also present, reflecting a united effort to advance the welfare of senior citizens in the Island.

 

BDO simplifies its banking services with digital innovations

CEBU CITY – Banco De Oro (BDO), celebrating its 50^th year in the banking industry, has simplified its business and banking services with digital innovations and tools that make everyday operations easier and more reliable for the Cebu entrepreneurs.

Cebu remains one of the country’s major growth centers and financial needs today are increasingly interconnected, covering saving, investing, borrowing, payments, business operations, and protection.

In a BDO Business Talk and press briefing, May 26 at its BDO-Cebu Regional hub, Federico Ocampo, Senior VP/Department Head, Trust and Investments Group discussed the impact of the Middle East conflict and the rising gasoline prices on consumer and investment behaviors

“Investment behaviors vary; some opt for time deposits while others hold cash. Looking ahead, confidence may increase investment in government securities and offshore equities,” Ocampo said.

Amid economic challenges, immediate advice includes focusing on short-term safety through high-interest savings. Long-term, consistent investment habits are encouraged, aiming for retirement security. Easy investment products are introduced to facilitate regular saving, he shared.

“Make regular investments a habit, starting from small contributions, to ensure a secure financial future upon retirement,” he said,

BDO designs and launches an automatic investment plan that debits a fixed amount from a customer’s savings or credit card account to build a habit of regular investing, Ocampo emphasized the importance of financial planning and long-term wealth building amidst economic headwinds.

High-interest savings accounts are recommended as a safe haven until conditions stabilize, after which investors can gradually return to more aggressive investment strategies, Ocampo mentioned the introduction of easy investment plans designed to simplify the process of investing for beginners, including options like debt and credit investments.

BDO branch digital transformation

Gayle Christine Go, Vice President and Cebu 1 Area Aead, BDO Branch Banking Group introduced BDO’s efforts to streamline banking operations through digital solutions.  It introduced a service assist machine (SAM) in branches to facilitate digital transactions, eliminating the need for manual forms.

“Additionally, we offer online transaction booking, remote appointment scheduling, and online account opening without manual paperwork.  A new universal teller machine was launched for various transactions, including depositing checks, withdrawing money, updating passbooks, paying bills, and applying for credit cards—all accessible even when the branch is closed.  These initiatives aim to provide a seamless blend of physical and digital services, improving customer convenience and experience,” Go bared.

Grace Caguioa, SVP & unit head for BDO-Cash Management Services (CMS)-SME Segment bared that business owners today are more dynamic and ambitious.  They need digital banking solutions that can keep up with their pace while giving them peace of mind that their finances are in order.

BDO’s CMS for SMEs are designed to streamline key functions such as payroll processing, check disbursements, and cash flow monitoring. These solutions help reduce errors, improve accuracy, and minimize the time spent on administrative work.

“We help Cebu entrepreneurs navigate their digital cash management flow in real time visibility.   Entrepreneurs can instantly see how money moves through their business, spot risks before they become problems, and identify opportunities for growth,” Caquioa said.

Greater visibility also helps reduce uncertainty.  Instead of reacting to financial issues after they happen, they can take a more proactive approach to managing their cash flow, she added.

                          BDO powers Cebu’s thriving businesses

Carlo Nazareno, BDO Senior Vice President and head of Cash Management Services said that growing businesses need systems that keep pace with the times.  As ventures expand, so do the demands behind the scenes: tracking payments, paying employees, and managing suppliers. What once felt simple can become more complex when processes are still manual,

“Every business starts with a hustle.  The first hurdle is to transform that hustle into a scalable business. But when that happens, our clients quickly realize that cash flow management has become one of the most critical and time-consuming parts of operating a business,” Nazareno noted.

Instead of spending hours on paperwork, entrepreneurs can now use digital cash management tools to handle payroll, supplier payments, and cash flow monitoring automatically. Automation frees business owners to focus more on what they do best: serving customers, improving products, and expanding their reach, Nazareno said.

The BDO Business Talk Cebu gathered BDO leaders with Cebu media and discussed business, banking, and economic developments affecting Cebu and the Visayas, focusing on the evolving financial behaviors, digital adoption, business efficiency, investments, protection, and accessibility in the banking industry.

The briefing also tackled topics like Investment planning and wealth-building, SME and enterprise banking needs, Home, auto, and multipurpose financing trends and more.  BDO continues to combine physical banking presence and digital capabilities to serve evolving customer needs of their clients, supporting communities and businesses across Cebu and the Visayas. (Photos: MBCNewman)

PSA-7 warns public against fake National ID

CEBU CITY -- The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)-Central Visayas warns the public against the production, sale, possession, and use of fake National IDs, and reminds everyone that the National ID is an official government-issued identification card under the Philippine Identification System or the National ID System.

Wilma Perante, PSA-7 OIC-Director said that only the PSA is authorized to print and issue the National ID. Any individual or group found guilty of unauthorized printing, preparation, or issuance of a National ID can be penalized with imprisonment of three (3) to six (6) years and a fine ranging from Php 1,000,000 to Php 3,000,000 as provided under Republic Act No. 11055 or the Philippine Identification System Act.

The same penalties apply to the falsification, mutilation, alteration, or tampering of the National ID, as well as the possession of a fake, falsified, or altered National ID.

Perante also advises the public to remain vigilant against National ID-related scams involving individuals falsely claiming to be PSA personnel through phone calls, messages, or online platforms.

“Reports indicate that these individuals commonly claim that personal information needs to be verified and instruct registered persons to click suspicious links, download applications, disable security settings, or perform fingerprint verification as part of the supposed process,” Perante added.

Some individuals likewise offer expedited processing, fixing services, or assistance in updating National ID information in exchange for payment, Perante emphasizes that these activities are not authorized by the agency.

Any National ID services, including issuance of National ID in paper format (ePhillD), and updating or correction of demographic information in the National ID system is conducted only through authorized National ID registration centers.

The public is strongly advised not to share personal information, one-time passwords (OTPs), national ID Card Numbers, fingerprints, copies of IDs, or other sensitive information with unverified persons or suspicious online accounts.

Perante likewise reminds relying parties, establishments, institutions, and the public to ensure the proper verification and authentication of presented National IDs through available National ID authentication services, including the use of National ID Check accessible through httpsV/everify.gov.ph/check.

The PSA also encourages the reporting of suspected fake National IDs, scams, or suspicious transactions to the appropriate authorities for proper investigation and action.

For inquiries and assistance related to the National ID, the public is advised to transact only through official PSA and National ID System (PhilSys) channels and authorized National ID registration centers. The list of authorized registration centers may be accessed through the official National ID website at https://philsys.gov.ph/registration-center/.

 

PH needs an interconnected ecosystem strategy to attract global investment

CEBU CITY— The Philippines needs to stop looking at development in isolation and instead focus on building interconnected ecosystems strategy to attract global investment amid the continuing tensions in the Middle East.

“The evolving global economic landscape creates periods of disruption in the global trade and investment flows, and this uncertainty often force investors to seek new markets, new supply chains, and safer long-term bases for expansion, and is also creating new opportunities for Southeast Asia — particularly for the Philippines,” Jay Yuvallos, East Asia Business Council (EABC)-2026 chair said, in a side interview with Manila Standard.

The conflict changes the flow of capital and investments. Investors are now looking into other markets, and the Philippines has always been one of them. While economic powerhouses such as China, Japan, and South Korea continue to dominate East Asia, Yuvallos noted that international investors are increasingly turning their attention toward Southeast Asia.

Countries like Singapore and Vietnam have emerged as strong investment magnets in recent years, but he believes the Philippines remains an “undervalued” market with significant upside potential.

“The Philippines has always been undervalued, there are many opportunities here, pockets of opportunities, and if invested properly, the upside is very high,” he added.

Yuvallos said that the Philippines’ strengths go beyond population size and geography, he pointed to infrastructure, logistics, manufacturing, tourism, education, and technology as sectors that could benefit from shifting global capital. 

Interconnected ecosystem in place in Cebu

Infrastructure, technology, talent development, education pipelines, logistics, these constitute an ecosystem that work closely together and Cebu is an example of how ecosystem thinking can transform regional economies.

Metro Cebu already possesses many of the foundations needed for growth: export manufacturing, tourism, education hubs, and strategic port access. What is needed now is identifying the gaps and investing around them, he said.

According to Yuvallos, there is a strong potential for manufacturing in northern Cebu and for shipbuilding industries in Western Cebu.   Companies such as Mitsumi have already established a manufacturing presence in Danao City while Cebu’s maritime heritage gives it a natural advantage for shipbuilding and marine-related industries.

“Cebu could become a shipbuilding capital of Asia and to achieve this will require government support in technical education, engineering training, supply chain development, and infrastructure connectivity.  We need welders, technical expertise, engineering, ship design. Government and the private sector must support the ecosystem so it matures,” Yuvallos said.

He also highlighted southern Cebu’s potential for tourism, retirement living, and residential developments anchored on heritage and natural attractions.  Rather than treating industries separately, he believes the province should connect them into one integrated economic network — linking logistics hubs, ports, manufacturing centers, tourism zones, and industrial corridor.

“When you connect manufacturing, logistics, tourism, and infrastructure together, the ecosystems become stronger,” he explained.

EABC’s vision for PH

Part of EABC’s vision includes building infrastructure that directly supports industry growth, noting the importance of international ports, transport corridors, and road networks that can reduce logistics costs and attract foreign manufacturers.

Yuvallos said that investors from countries such as Japan are constantly evaluating efficiency, transport costs, and supply chain reliability before entering new markets.  The government must allow and build infrastructure that supports the ecosystem, making the Philippines more attractive for investment.

The EABC Chair also urged policymakers and business leaders to think more creatively and competitively, especially as neighboring countries aggressively position themselves for global manufacturing and supply chain expansions.

Thailand offers a useful model through its layered manufacturing ecosystem, where major global brands are supported by direct suppliers and small and medium enterprises integrated into the supply chain, he said.

The Middle East crisis is ultimately reshaping the global investment map. The question for the Philippines is whether it can move fast enough to capture the opportunities emerging from those changes.

“We have to think beyond the traditional way, we cannot just compare ourselves to others. We have to think creatively, build ecosystems, and position the Philippines as a serious investment destination,” Yuvallos concluded. (Photos: Google Images)

 

Oslob Port reopens, seen to boost trade and tourism links in Cebu, Central Visayas

OSLOB, Cebu – Maiinit Port in Oslob, Cebu reopens on May 22, after 15 years of inactivity marked by the launch of a new sailing route linking Oslob, Larena in Siquijor, and Dumaguete City, which is expected to boost Cebu’s maritime network giving southern Cebu towns faster access to inter-island trade and tourism routes as well as strengthening sea connectivity for both tourists and local trade in Central Visayas.

The Oslob-Siquijor-Dumaguete route is services by the Super Shuttle Ferry boats of the Asian Maritime Transport Corp. (AMTC).  

“While the route is presently on dry run or soft launch and we’re also opening the passenger terminal at Mainit Port, Oslob to provide greater convenience to the riding public by establishing a direct and efficient maritime link from the southern part of Cebu to the neighboring islands of Siquijor and Dumaguete,” shared Paolo Rodriguez, AMTC chief operations officer.

Rodriguez, who is also the president of Super Shuttle Ferry and a key figure in the PCSA has pushed for stronger collaboration between government and operators to address gaps in southern Cebu routes.

“We envision Southern Cebu not merely as a stop along the way, but as a destination and gateway that seamlessly connects travelers to Siquijor and Dumaguete while showcasing the beauty and tourism potential of Cebu’s southern corridor,” Rodriguez said.

He added that AMTC also plans to put up solar-powered EV charging stations at the Oslob Port; an integrated transport with Ceres buses for easier travel from Cebu City to Siquijor via Oslob and more more boats plying the Panglao, Bohol to Oslob routes to complete the Central Visayas trade and tourism corridor.

Cebu governor Pamela Baricuatro, in her message at the Port inauguration said the opening of Oslob Port port will shorten travel time for both passengers and cargo moving between Cebu mainland, Negros Oriental, and the southern Visayas corridor.

Oslob, already a top destination for whale shark watching and heritage tourism, stands to gain from improved connectivity.

“For Cebu and for the wider Visayas, maritime transport is truly a lifeline. As an island province and a regional hub, what happens in our ports, shipping routes, and maritime policies directly affects our economy, our tourism, and most importantly, the everyday lives of our people,” Baricuatro has repeatedly stressed the role of maritime transport in Cebu’s economy at the Philippine Coastwise Shipping Association (PCSA) meeting in September 2025.

Maritime stakeholders and provincial officials envision this development to significantly boost tourism - including the continued growth of Oslob's renowned whale shark tourism - stimulate local economies, and strengthen inter-island connectivity among these key destinations.

Oslob draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually for whale shark watching. A dedicated port in Maiinit can ease congestion at existing landing points and make day trips to nearby Dumaguete and Dauin more viable.

Local officials say the Oslob port project aligns with that push — turning southern Cebu from a transit point into a stronger node in the province’s maritime economy.

Southern Cebu towns rely heavily on sea links for agricultural goods, construction materials, and consumer products. Faster, safer berthing reduces transport costs and spoilage, AMTC said.

Baricuatro also noted that efficient maritime services are crucial during emergencies and disasters for delivering aid to affected communities.

Cebu’s maritime sector has received  renewed focus in 2025-2026. The Cebu Maritime Expo in April 2026 highlighted job generation, shipbuilding, and workforce development as priorities. The provincial government has also pushed for better services on island routes to support both residents and the tourism sector.

Baricuatro pushed for stronger maritime infrastructure across the province saying efficient ports are central to Cebu’s economic and tourism goals. She said that the provincial government is working with national agencies and industry stakeholders to improve port efficiency, safety, and inter-island connectivity, ensuring that growth delivers tangible benefits to passengers and local communities.

Rodriguez on the other hand has been advocating for upgraded routes and facilities in southern Cebu. In recent meetings with the provincial government, he emphasized the need for safer, more convenient travel options for both residents and tourists.

Oslob mayor, Ronald Guaren said the reopening of Oslob Port helps address long-standing gaps in the Camotes–Cebu and Bantayan–Cebu corridors, and make it easier to expand services to southern towns.

“The new port can streamline tourist arrivals and improve links to nearby destinations in Negros Oriental,” Guaren said.

“When tourism grows, livelihoods grow too—from our small businesses and transport sector to the food industry and local communities,” Baricuatro added. (Photos: MBCNewman)