Of state witnesses and big, bold reformsOnly in the Philippines can someone who has been implicated in a massive corruption scandal feel like he’s been robbed when asked to return the money. Some of these state witnesses have amassed so much wealth that the amount they vowed to turn over to the government could be just a drop in the bucket. Thus, the government must be careful in selecting its state witnesses. Big, bold reformsWe welcome the “big, bold reforms” announced by the Marcos administration last week after presenting it to businessmen in a closed-door meeting. Thus, the big, bold reforms announcement is the good news we need these days and Finance Secretary Frederick Go is on the right track in spearheading these reforms.

Trump tells Davos the US will not use force to gain GreenlandUS President Donald Trump gestures as he delivers a special address during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos on January 21, 2026.

Atong Ang surrenders firearmsTwo of Atong Ang’s firearms sur- rendered to the Mandaluyong City police. MANILA, Philippines — The camp of fugitive gambling tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang has surrendered five of his six firearms after the Philippine National Police revoked their licenses. Manalad said the firearms are still with the Mandaluyong police. Now, they volunteered (to surrender the firearms),” Manalad told reporters in a phone interview. Remulla clarified that none of the active and retired police officials allegedly connected with Ang are coddling the gambling tycoon.

Offloading US assets is a "dangerous bet": UBSCEO of UBS Sergio Ermotti attends the Swiss Bank Annual General Meeting, one year after buying rival Swiss bank Credit Suisse, in Basel, Switzerland, April 24, 2024. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

On a high: Eala makes homecomingMANILA, Philippines — There is no way to go but up for Alex Eala. With Brazilian partner Ingrid Martins (WTA doubles No. 80), Eala also crashed out in the doubles opener with a 6-7 (3-7), 6-2, 3-6 defeat to Japan’s Shuko Aoyama (WTA doubles No. Spanish superstar Alcaraz came through a tough arm-wrestle 7-6 (7/4), 6-3, 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena against hard-hitting German Yannick Hanfmann to take another step towards a career Grand Slam. Third seed Gauff was clinical against Serbia’s Olga Danilovic, 6-2, 6-2.

EU and the Philippines: Manigong Bagong Taon! Built on shared values of democracy, the rule of law, human rights, sustainable development, peace and open trade has never been stronger. Also under Global Gateway, our EU-Philippines Digital Economy Package will be in full swing in 2026 following the signing of the bilateral financing agreement last year. This initiative will support the Philippines’ digital transition and technology innovation in 5G, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence in earth observation and digital connectivity. The EU remains one of the Philippines’ largest trading partners and an important source of foreign direct investment.

DisorderedSince the end of World War II, nations have worked hard to build a rules- and values-based global order presided over by multilateral institutions such as the United Nations. Washington’s attack against Venezuela brazenly violates all sovereignty guarantees the post-war global order has been trying to provide. When the US invaded Afghanistan, Washington told us this was necessary to protect the global order from the rise of terrorism. Since America’s oil giants expressed their dark assessment about the future of oil investments in Venezuela, Trump has kept quiet about the matter. In his obsession with acquiring Greenland, Trump has offered to pay off the island’s tiny population.

Choosing the right CabinetThere is a lot of talk these days about a possible Cabinet revamp. Choosing the right Cabinet members will be a make-or-break decision for this current President, whose approval ratings are at an all-time low. In his book, “Leading Change,” Kotter said: “The first step in putting together the right kind of team that can direct a change effort is to find the right membership. There are four types of individuals that should be avoided at all costs when putting together a Cabinet or a team. Individuals who believe that corruption is a way of life and therefore cannot be eradicated can be classified as reluctant team members.

Stocks fall anew on Greenland maelstromMANILA, Philippines — The local stock market dropped for the fourth straight session amid prevailing global uncertainty over US President Donald Trump’s threat to take over Greenland. The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index tumbled by 0.36 percent or 22.76 points to end yesterday’s session at 6,330.10. The broader All Shares index also slipped by 0.28 percent or 10.12 points, settling at 3,596.69. “The local market dropped again amid the negative cues from Wall Street caused by worries over the US’ tariff threats against selected European countries as it tries to get Greenland,” Philstocks Financial research manager Japhet Tantiangco said. Global equities were mixed Wednesday following a rough start to the week fueled by Trump’s Greenland-linked tariff threats.

Mobility for allThe Department of Transportation (DOTr) recently announced it would adopt the Accessible Travel Policy (ATP) for all rail systems, marking the pivot toward mobility for everyone especially commuting senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs) and pregnant women. For years, many of us, especially seniors, have watched our public transportation system evolve with equal parts hope and exasperation. For someone with mobility challenges, these gaps do not just create inconvenience – they create barriers. Achieving a truly accessible public transport system should not be limited to railways alone – it requires a holistic approach. It also strengthens mobility rights by requiring transportation providers to adopt priority seating, improve terminals and put measures in place that allow seniors and PWDs to travel safely, comfortably and independently.

Ten reforms for growth accelerationFour of our Asian neighbors have reported their fourth quarter (Q4) GDP data and registered fast growth in full year 2025: Vietnam with eight percent; China, five percent; Malaysia, 4.9 percent; and Singapore, 4.7 percent. Those with Q1-Q3 data and registered fast growth are: Taiwan (7.1 percent), Indonesia and Philippines (five percent). Last week, the economic team met with many business leaders and introduced a new branding for the Philippines called “Big Bold Reforms” or BBR. The Philippines’ chairmanship of the ASEAN this year is good timing for the BBR and related reforms towards more liberalization in trade, tourism and investment. Growth acceleration, peace and prosperity, We should have them, this year and beyond.

‘Zaldy Co seeks dialogue with governmentMANILA, Philippines — Former Ako Bicol party-list congressman Zaldy Co is seeking a dialogue with the government, according to Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla. Speaking to reporters yesterday on the sidelines of the New Year’s call at Camp Crame, Remulla said Co has sent “feelers” through a group of priests for a possible dialogue. “One route that we are considering now is that if we issue him a legislative warrant, it can be coursed through the IPU. “Maybe through the IPU, we can request that he be deported, since there is already a red notice,” he added. He, however, gave assurance that Alcantara will still be able to attend Senate inquiries or other investigations if needed.

‘China won’t be silent, will push back if defamed’The Chinese embassy in Manila has been publicly attacking Philippine officials for statements opposing China’s aggressive acts in the West Philippine Sea. China has one of the world’s most restrictive media environments, relying on censorship to control information in the news, online, and on social media. China has one of the world’s most restrictive media environments, relying on censorship to control information in the news, online, and on social media. “If fake news are spread, if China is defamed or if hatred is incited, we will not remain patient and silent. Both sides hope to accelerate the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea we call COC.

DA: Decline in food poverty linked to rice programA woman and her daughter share a simple rice meal along a busy street in Manila. MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) linked the sharp decline in food poverty in the fourth quarter of 2025 to the expansion of government rice programs and other food supply interventions. The OCTA survey showed a sharp decline in self-rated overall poverty, which dropped by 17 percentage points from 54 percent to 37 percent quarter-on-quarter. Analysts attributed improvements in food poverty to programs that stabilize supply and prices, especially the P20-a-kilo rice initiative, the DA said. Economists said sustaining the gains would require continued support for production and effective price management, but noted that the survey signals progress in reducing food poverty.

UP improves in 2026 world university rankingsUndated photo shows the Oblation statue in the University of the Philippines campus in Diliman, Quezon City. MANILA, Philippines — The University of the Philippines was ranked in 10 out of 11 subject areas in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject 2026. The World University Rankings 2026 published yesterday noted that universities across Asia continue to improve in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields and are now rising faster than their European and North American rivals in other areas such as the arts. Except for Physical Sciences, UP maintained its standings across most subject areas, but was not ranked in Law this year. UP ranked 1201-1500 in THE World University Rankings 2026, earning its strongest score in the area of research quality.