Freeport Insider

31/07/2026

40-YEAR-OLD NABBED IN BANICAIN BUY-BUST; 1.92 GRAMS OF SUSPECTED SHABU CONFISCATED

New Banicain, Olongapo City -- Operatives from Police Station 2 (PS2) arrested a 40-year-old SLI-listed man and confiscated some 1.92 grams of suspected shabu in an anti-illegal drug (buy-bust) operation yesterday.

“Butch” (not his real name), single, allegedly a Barangay Old Cabalan resident, was arrested at Foster Street, Barangay New Banicain, where the “buy-bust” took place. He was arrested at about 6:15pm, police report said.

The PS2 Drug Enforcement Unit team confiscated three pieces of heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets of suspected shabu, weighing more or less 1.92 grams with a standard drug price of Php13,056.00. They also recovered the two Php100.00 used as marked money.

Both the suspect and pieces of evidence were brought to PS2 for proper documentation. – Percy Roxas

29/07/2026

Orion Jade, HD Hyundai's first Filipino-built vessel in Subic Freeport attests to investor confidence – Aliño

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The recent launch of Orion Jade, the first vessel built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Philippines (HHIP) in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, marks a significant milestone in the country's shipbuilding industry and underscores growing investor confidence under the CREATE MORE Law.

SBMA chairman and administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño announced the development during the ship launching ceremony held on July 28, 2026, at the Agila Subic Shipyard in Redondo Peninsula. Orion Jade is the first ship fully built in the facility and represents HHIP's commitment to establishing Subic Bay Freeport as its primary manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia.

The vessel is a 115,000-tonne crude and oil tanker, measuring 250 meters in length, 42 meters in width, and 21 meters in depth. Its completion signals a vital expansion of the Philippines’shipbuilding capabilities.

HHIP president Im Dae Jun led the launch ceremony, describing the occasion as a historic achievement for the Korean shipbuilding giant. The event was also attended by notable figures, including Korean ambassador Lee Sang-hwa, Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go, Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, Botolan mayor Jun Omar Ebdane, and Olongapo City mayor Rolen Paulino Jr., who served as guests of honor.

Finance Secretary Go highlighted the launch as a clear indication of the Marcos Jr. administration's success in attracting strategic investments.

"The Orion Jade launch is a testament to our commitment to delivering projects that create quality jobs, enhance industrial capacity, and generate meaningful economic opportunities for Filipinos,” he said.

Chairman Aliño credited the CREATE MORE Law (Republic Act No. 12066) for enabling this investment breakthrough. The law reduces corporate income tax to 20%, streamlines local business taxes, and expedites VAT refunds, improving upon the original CREATE Act to create a more investor-friendly environment.

The ceremony took place on a 550-meter dry dock—the largest in the Philippines—which will allow HHIP to build at least ten ships annually starting next year.

Meanwhile, Korean ambassador Sang-hwa emphasized the symbolic importance of a Filipino-built vessel, stating the launch reflects the deepening cooperation between Korea and the Philippines. He noted President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s vision to revive the nation's status as a leading player in global shipbuilding.

“Maritime cooperation between our countries continues to grow, further strengthening mutual trust and sharing a promising future,” Ambassador Lee added.

Currently, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Philippines employs approximately 4,000 workers at its Agila Subic Shipyard facility. The company has plans to expand its workforce to 7,000 as operations scale up under the Marcos Jr. administration's supportive policies.

The company offers competitive employee benefits, including free on-site accommodation, daily shuttle services, complimentary lunches, and comprehensive health coverage beginning on the first anniversary of employment.(30)

PHOTO CAPTION:
[1] Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño (right) and SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment Renato Lee III (left) engage in a light chat with Republic of Korea (ROK) Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa upon arrival for the launch of the first Filipino-built vessel, Orion Jade, at the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Philippines (HHIP) Inc. on July 28, 2026.

[2] Guests of honor pose for a souvenir photo with the first Filipino-built vessel, Orion Jade, behind them, at the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Philippines (HHIP) Inc. on July 28, 2026.

[3] HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Philippines (HHIP) workers proudly flash their accomplishment on a signboard during the launch of the first Filipino-built vessel, Orion Jade, on July 28, 2026.

26/07/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1GdH3s3Jf6/?mibextid=wwXIfr

24/07/2026

20/07/2026

Impeachment trial for VP Sara Duterte

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18uDmmySHn/?mibextid=wwXIfr

16/07/2026

"Whatever good that I am able to do did not begin with me; it began with my mother, Felicidad Tan Sy."

Receiving the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (For Church and Pope), one of the Vatican's highest honors for laypeople, Hans T. Sy reflected on the values of faith, compassion, and selfless service instilled in him by his mother. A reminder that the greatest acts of service often begin with the examples set by those closest to us.

Congratulations, Mr. Hans!

12/07/2026

CLASSES FOR MONDAY JULY 13 SUSPENDED

OLONGAPO City Mayor Rolen Paulino Jr. announced Sunday night the suspension of classes in all levels, in public and private schools for Monday, July 13, 2026.

Mayor Paulino said the city is expected to experience heavy rainfall on Monday, thus the suspension.
He urged residents to take practitioners and to. All the local emergency number 911 for emergencies.

12/07/2026

1,100 NEW SCHOLARS JOIN SM FOUNDATION, LARGEST COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP BATCH
IN PROGRAM HISTORY

PASAY CITY, Philippines, July 3, 2026, SM Foundation formally welcomed its largest-ever batch of 1,100 college scholars during its Scholarship Awarding Ceremony, strengthening its long-standing commitment to expanding access to higher education for deserving but financially challenged Filipino youth.

The 1,100 new scholars represent the largest batch accepted into the SM College Scholarship Program since its establishment, marking another milestone in the Foundation's efforts to make quality education more accessible to the Filipino youth. They join thousands of scholars from across the country who have pursued higher education through the program, many of whom have gone on to build meaningful careers and uplift their families and communities.

Established by SM founder Henry "Tatang" Sy Sr., the SM College Scholarship Program was created on the belief that education is one of the most effective ways to break the cycle of poverty and create opportunities for lasting social mobility.

Beyond financial assistance, the program equips scholars with holistic support throughout their college journey, helping them develop the knowledge, values, and confidence needed to succeed.

The event also featured an interactive session that encouraged scholars to reflect on the challenges they may encounter throughout college and beyond. Through engaging discussions and shared experiences, they were reminded that setbacks are part of every journey and that resilience, adaptability, and a strong sense of purpose are essential in overcoming obstacles and achieving their goals.

Since its establishment, the SM College Scholarship Program has supported 7,376 scholars and produced 4,640 graduates. Each scholar represents a story of hope transformed into opportunity through education.

As the newest members of the SM scholar community begin their academic journey, they carry with them not only the support of SM Foundation but also the opportunity to create lasting impact in their families, communities, and the nation.

12/07/2026

SUBIC FLOOD PROGRAM EFFECTIVE, SAYS RESIDENTS

By Percy Roxas

Subic, Zambales -- Residents are praising LGU Subic for its flood mitigation program after proving its effectivity again as several high-risk. flood-prone barangays here remained unscathed despite the heavy monsoon rains, enhanced by Typhoon Inday, in the last two days.

The LGU today July 12, 2026, announced that many low-lying, flood prone areas in the municipality were spared from widespread flooding, thanks to the continuing flood mitigation program initiated by Zambales First District Representative Jay Khonghun and the LGU, under the leadership of Mayor Jonathan "Jon" Khonghun.

Among the areas that did not experience flooding this time were the barangays of Sto. Tomas, San Isidro, Cawag, Naugsol, Ilwas, Asinan Proper, Aningway and Manggahan.

These barangays usually get easily flooded during times of heavy downpour and torrential rains.

"The continuous desilting of rivers in Manggahan, Ilwas at Sacatihan as well as the cleaning and declogging of the creeks, canals and alleys in the barangays helped ensured that the rain waters are not stuck in any area and that river waters do not overflow," said an LGU spokesperson.

"Whether we are visited by La Niña or El Niño, the LGU never stops working on our disaster preparedness and readiness strength," the spokesperson added. "We will not stop implementing programs that aim to protect lives and properties of Subikenyos."

The residents have been vocal in expressing their gratitude to the LGU and Rep. Khonghun in both social media and other platforms.

"LGU Subic has always been one step ahead in its flood control programs and implementation is continuous," says one resident from Ilwas. "Their mitigation program is ongoing before, during, and after the flood hazards strike."

"It's reassuring and comforting to know that we do not have to worry about evacuating or leaving our homes despite the heavy rains as in the last few days," said another resident from Cawag.

Subic municipality is a coastal river basin area, which makes it prone to flooding especially during severe monsoon rains and typhoons. (30)

11/07/2026

ZAMECO II, OEDC execs must explain surging power rates in House probe -- Khonghun

Subic, Zambales -- Representative Jay Khonghun (1st District, Zamb.), expressing deep dissatisfaction over the explanations provided by the Zambales II Electric Cooperative (ZAMECO), is seeking a congressional inquiry into the recent surge in electricity rates in the province, it was learned from his office today.

The congressman met with
ZAMECO II general manager Romwil De Jesus earlier, but was dismayed by the cooperative's justifications, which he points out, failed to adequately address consumer grievances or guarantee much-needed reduction in monthly bills.

"We are not satisfied with the explanation. Electricity charges must come down," Khonghun stressed.

Khonghun announced that the House of Representatives will issue subpoenas to officials from both ZAMECO II and the Olongapo Electricity Distribution Company (OEDC) to compel transparency.

"They will be summoned to a congressional hearing to justify the sudden rate hikes, and answer directly to the consumers," the lawmaker said.

Khonghun initiated a dialogue with ZAMECO II following numerous complaints from residents across the province about the sharp and abrupt increase in their monthly power bills.

"In some cases, households reported electricity bills skyrocketing from an average of ₱1,500 to nearly ₱6,000," said Khonghun. "This imposes a crippling blow on the finances of local families," Khonghun said.

Khonghun detailed the families grievances to the cooperative's management during the meeting, and demanded clear explanations and concrete measures to mitigate the financial impact on the families.

ZAMECO II currently serves a franchise area covering approximately 98,000 residential, commercial, and industrial accounts from Subic to Cabangan.

Khonghun, unconvinced by the cooperative's initial explanations, vowed torelentlessly pursue the issue.

"Rest assured that I will hold ZAMECO II and OEDC accountable, until billing practices become fair, transparent, and equitable for all," said Khonghun. (30)

By Percy Roxas