Better Rivers PH, San Miguel Corporation’s initiative to clean up river systems in Luzon, marked its fifth year last month with great strides in reducing river pollution and mitigating floods.
Better Rivers PH, San Miguel Corporation’s initiative to clean up river systems in Luzon, marked its fifth year last month with great strides in reducing river pollution and mitigating floods.
San Miguel Corporation (SMC) recently marked five years of cleaning up major rivers and river systems — a continuing effort that has, as of end-June, removed around 8.5 million metric tons of silt and solid waste from 10 key waterways in and around Metro Manila.
Launched in 2020, the initiative, dubbed Better Rivers PH, aims to reduce river pollution and help prevent flooding by restoring and dredging rivers and improving their flow.
According to SMC Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang, the company has already cleared over 161 kilometers of river channels, and the work is far from over.
The waste and silt — removed from the Tullahan, Pasig, and San Juan Rivers; rivers in Bulacan and Pampanga; the San Isidro, Biñan, and Tunasan Rivers in Laguna, and waterways in Navotas and Parañaque — have significantly increased the carrying capacity of these river systems.
This has helped lessen the risk of severe flooding in surrounding communities, by enabling floodwaters to be drained to Manila Bay more effectively. Without this intervention, many of these waterways, made shallow by years of silt and debris buildup, would frequently overflow and inundate communities, Ang said.
The effort has also reduced foul odors coming from rivers and, in some cases, encouraged the return of fish, owing to the removal of decomposing waste and garbage from the river beds.
“Because of many contributing and aggravating factors, flooding continues to be a major risk for many of our cities and provinces. For San Miguel, we cannot afford to just stand by and do nothing because in the end, our economy and all of us, suffer. That’s why we’ve been working non-stop these last five years to help clean and restore our rivers,” Ang said.
“Through cooperation with the national and local governments and other stakeholders, we’ve now managed to increase the carrying capacities of our major rivers. But a lot still needs to be done, including in changing mindsets and discouraging the throwing of wastes in our waterways. We are committed to continue working with stakeholders and doing our part every way we can,” he added.
SMC’s river cleanup initiative, which does year-round work at targeted rivers, is part of its broader social responsibility agenda, and is aligned with SMC’s major sustainability initiatives, which includes a drive towards addressing critical water issues.
Fully-funded and undertaken by SMC, the program comes at no cost to government and taxpayers, and is done in close coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and local government units.
From its early efforts to clean up the Tullahan, Pasig, and San Juan Rivers, SMC’s river cleanup initiative has extended northwards to Bulacan and Pampanga, and the south, to rivers in Paranaque and Laguna.
Last June, it completed the cleanup of Tunasan River in Laguna, where it removed 53,774 tons of silt and wastes.
This is on top of its earlier efforts to clean up the Binan River (87,899 tons removed) and San Isidro River in San Pedro (417,044 tons removed). The company is set start cleaning up two more rivers in the province.
For updates and more details on this initiative, visit the official website at betterrivers.com.ph and its Facebook page, Better Rivers PH.
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This July, SM City Baliwag opens its doors to an extraordinary celebration of Filipino creativity as it hosts “Art for Everyone,” a dynamic art exhibit that will run from July 19 to 31. In partnership with the Bulacan State University College of Architecture and Fine Arts Faculty and Alumni and “Ang Bagong Likha Art Group”, this much-anticipated showcase promises to bring hundreds of remarkable artworks closer to the public.
Timed perfectly with SM Supermalls’ 40th Super Years, the exhibit underscores SM City Baliwag’s commitment to championing local talent and providing a platform where artistry flourishes. Shoppers and art enthusiasts alike will have a rare opportunity to view and own an inspiring collection of paintings, sculptures, mixed media pieces, photography, and digital art—all crafted by some of Bulacan’s most respected and promising artists.
More than just a gallery, Art for Everyone transforms the mall into a living canvas—an experience where guests can delve into the stories, heritage, and ideas behind each piece. Building on the success of last year’s Art Market, which earned SM Supermalls a Gold Stevie® Award for Innovation in the Use of Events, this year’s exhibit aims to deepen appreciation for Filipino art while strengthening connections between artists and the community.
The exhibit opens on July 19, kicking off a visual journey that blends tradition with modern perspectives, as artists explore themes rooted in local identity and contemporary culture. Visitors can meet the people behind the works, fostering meaningful dialogue between artist and audience—true to SM’s inclusive vision for art appreciation.
For more details, visit https://www.facebook.com/smbaliwag and follow SM City Baliwag on social media for updates. Celebrate 40 Super Years of SM Supermalls and rediscover the joy of art that connects and inspires us all.
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Prof. Nick Deocampo, chairperson of the National Memory of the World Committee of UNESCO (left) with Alex Aguinaldo, (right), curator of Marcelo H. Del Pilar National Shrine and Museum in Barangay San Nicolas, Bulakan town and other official during visit and inspection of the La Solidariad copies and issues on February 19, 2025. Photo by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP)
Prof. Nick Deocampo, chairperson of the National Memory of the World Committee of UNESCO (left) with Alex Aguinaldo, (right), curator of Marcelo H. Del Pilar National Shrine and Museum in Barangay San Nicolas, Bulakan town and other official during visit and inspection of the La Solidariad copies and issues on February 19, 2025. Photo by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP)
BULAKAN, Bulacan—The commemoration Friday, July 4 of the 129th death anniversary and heroism of Marcelo H. Del Pilar, editor of La Solidaridad, the Father of Philippine Journalism, a Reformist and a Propagandist was made more meaningful as the seven volunes of the 159 issues of the Philippine-Spanish Revolution newspaper are geared to be declared as a Memory of the World by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Prof. Nick Deocampo, chairperson of the National Memory of the World Committee of UNESCO in a Philippine Press Institute (PPI) forum in Quezon City on June 27 said the University of Michigan in the United States hasjust confirmed early during the week its possession of four out of the seven volumes—159 issues of La Solidaridad.
La Solidaridad
The NHCP’s Marcelo H. Del Pilar’s National Shrine and Museum in Sitio Cupang, Barangay San Nicolas in this town, holds in possession the first three volumes of La Solidaridad. The newspaper was founded 136 years ago and existed for more than six years from its maiden issue on Feb. 15, 1889 until its last issue on Nov. 15, 1895 in Barcelona, Spain, Alex Aguinaldo, curator of Marcelo H. Del Del Pilar Shrine and Museum told NEWSCORE Bulacan on Wednesday.
La Solidaridad, an 11″ x 8.5″ sized biweekly newspaper which was founded and initially edited by Graciano Lopez Jaena was aimed to become the voice of the Filipinos before Spanish government for the reforms they long desire to achieve for their motherland. Jaena however did not continue being the editor from which Del Pilar took over.
The newspaper was named after La Solidaridad, a group established by reformists Jaena, Del Pilar and Jose Rizal to be the Filipinos representation in Madrid for the needed reforms they were fighting for.
At Del Pilar’s Shrine and Museum, beside the three volumes of La Solidaridad being kept inside glass cases was the hero’s scriptions referring to La Solidaridad as “Munting Pahayagan” (THE LITTLE NEWSPAPER).
“Nais bumuo ng epektibong pahayagan ang mga miyembro ng La Solidaridad na kakatawan sa repormang hinihingi ng mga Pilipino sa Madrid. Noong 15 Pebrero 1889, lumabas ang unang bilang ng pahayagang La Solidaridad, sunod sa pangalan ng samahan, sa pamamatnugot ni Graciano Lopez Jaena,” (the memners of the La Solidaridad desired to establish an effective newspaper for the group which will represent the reforms being oursued by the Filipinos in Madrid. Its first issue was published named after the newspaper theough Gracenao Lopez Jaena).
La Solidaridad’s entry as Memory of the World was conceptualized last year at a Bulacan’s heritage forum workshop in this city conducted by Provincial History, Arts, Culture and Tourism Office (PHACTO) of Bulacan through its then head, the late Eliseo dela Cruz.
Seven Volumes
Deocampo told NEWSCORE Bulacan that he immediately investigated the locations of the complete seven volumes from which he discovered that the four original volumes are in the Univerisry of Michigan.
“Plaridel’s La Solidaridad is tangible and deseves to be in the International Registry in the Memory of the World of UNESCO. But, its seven volumes must be complete. Madrid and the University of Santo Tomas has similar collection but are incomplete. We are now waiting for the University of Michigan to sign the concurrence,” he said.
Complete copies are also kept in the Augustinian Archives in Valladolid, Spain, Aguinaldo also said.
According to Deocampo, the International Registry requires the highest forms of collections of different heritage which includes the bible.
Deocampo said they target to make the nomination before the deadline in November.
New PHACTO chief May Arlene Torres said they are now working on with the draft of the nomination. The content of the nomination will be the basis for the successful entry in the Registry, Deocampo said.
According to Deocampo, who is a documentary filmmaker and film historian and an associate professor at the University of the Philippines Film Institute, La Solidaridad would be the sixth International Registry of the Philippines to the Memory of the World of UNESCO.
Philippine’s Memory of the World
Among the Philippine entries which already made it to the International Registry includes documents that are globally recognized for the impact they made to contribute to the collective memory of humankind such as first, the Manuel L. Quezon Presidential Papers – compiled writings by the Commonwealth president; second, Radio Broadcasts of the People Power Revolution – radio broadcast transmission during the four-day EDSA revolt; third Jose Maceda Collection – musical archive and field notes ; fourth Philippine Paleographs (Hanunoo, Buhid, Tagbanua, and Pala’wan) – ancient syllabary etched on bamboo.
For the Asia-Pacific Regional Register, two significant entries showcase both historical and oral traditions: [Regional registry is a category that includes documents that are significant for the Aisa-Paciifc region.], the Philippines has Doctrina Christiana (1593) – one of the earliest printed books in the Philippines and Hinilawod Recordings – epic chant narratives from Panay Island, preserving pre-colonial oral literature, Deocampo said.
The National Registry that includes documents that are recognized for the impact they made to contribute to the collective memory of a particular nation like the Philippines incouded Eddie Romero’s Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon? – film classic chronicling Filipino identity during the epochal birth of the Philippine nation and The FPJ Productions Archives – cinematic legacy of Fernando Poe Jr. including his films, scripts, photographs, and other ephemera, Deocampo added.
The Memory of the World Committee was first established in the Philippines in 2006. UNESCO created the Memory of the World in 1992.
Deocampo said nomination can be done eery two years with two entries each. “We can enlist as many as can possibly be. China has already more than 200 documents in their registers. The Philippines has only nine and La Solidaridad can be the 10th,” he added.
Del Pilar was remembered for spending his last penny sent to him by his wife and two children from their house where the shrine is erected today for the printing of the last few issues of the newspaper and had to pick up cigarette butts in the streets of Barcelona to survive. He died on July 4,1896 in Barcelona, Spain.
La Solidaridad’s entry to the International Registry of the Memory of the World of UNESCO, Aguinaldo said will bring to the world and gain international recognition the heroism of Del Pilar, Jaena, Rizal and all the heroes of the country as they fought for our freedom during Philippine-Spanish Revolution.
The Sunday’s 2025 Bocaue Pagoda touring the town’s waters in this year’s 175th Mahal na Krus sa Wawa Feast. Gov. Daniel Fernando lead devotees and parishioners on board as this year’s hermano mayor. Photo by Anton Luis Catindig
The Sunday’s 2025 Bocaue Pagoda touring the town’s waters in this year’s 175th Mahal na Krus sa Wawa Feast. Gov. Daniel Fernando lead devotees and parishioners on board as this year’s hermano mayor. Photo by Anton Luis Catindig
BOCAUE, Bulacan—Gov. Daniel Fernando calls for a continued devotion to God amidst conflicts and war being experienced in the world today and the disunity in the country’s leadership as he led devotees and parishioners in touring the town’s river in this year’s Sunday Pagoda in celebration of the 175th year of the Feast of “Mahal na Krus sa Wawa”.
Fernando, the Hermano Mayor, (major sponsor) in this year’s pagoda stood first before hundreds of local folks who braved the rains as they joined, celebrated and watched the Pagoda sailed again in the town’s river.
“We strive for patience, understanding, humility and responsibility. Let us continue our devotion amidsts war and conflicts countries face during these times, a power against another, the current political disunity in our country. Let us continue our prayer for our country,” he said in his message after a mass in the town parish church just before the Holy Cross paraded the waters on board the pagoda.
The governor also expressed his gratefullness after Bulacan recently ranked as the 3rd safest destination in the Philippines, according to the World Travel Index 2025.
Fernando expressed his strong faith as he thanked God for all the blessings he received.
“It is of such honor and a great feeling to be your hermano mayor in our fiesta this year. It is God’s full graces, I thank God and all those who chose me to be your hermano,” he said.
Holy Cross symbol of Christ’s love and forgivess of sins
Bocaue Parish Priest Fr. Mario Jose Ladra led this year’s celebration with the theme, “ika-175 Taong Biyaya at Pag-asa, hatid ng Mahal na Poon ng Krus sa Wawa,” (175th Year of the Holy Cross bringing Blessings and Hope) in a series of morning masses before the pagoda paraded the Bocaue Rivers.
Amid the rains, Ladra said in his message that rains and the sun are both God’s graces.
“Rain and sunny days are showers of blessings the town has been receiving,” he said as the church asked for the Holy Cross to continue to ignite to the people the genuine love. “ Mahal na Poon ng Krus sa Wawa, pag-alabin mo sa amin ang tunay at wagas na pag-ibig”.
Safety in pagoda
Engr. Noel Mariano from Pulilan town who was designtaed by the governor to build this year’s pagoda ensured the safety of all the parishioners and devotees through a steel-made pagoda structure.
The Sunday’s pagoda which remains to be a three storey-height craft only limits its capacity to 120 people. “It can accommodate up to 200, but for safety, we only allow 120 people on board,” Mariano said just after the mass and before the pagoda cruised the river.
The Feast of The Holy Cross in Bocaue is celebrated every first Sunday of July when the Holy Cross was found during a typhoon in 1850 and believed to have saved residents from drowning.
Since then, local folks built a pagoda carrying on board the Holy Cross and tours it in Bocaue’s river as part of the celebration in honor and thanksgiving to Christ for all the year round blessings particularly a bounty catch for the fishermen.
However, on July 2, 1993, during the eve of the last day of the nine days novena before the actual day of the Krus sa Wawa Feast, close to 300 devotees on board the pagoda were drowned and have died when the structure capsized.
Since then, no any grandiose pagoda had sailed again in Bocaue’s waters. However, twenty one years later in 2014, municipal, church leaders and parishioners brought back the festivity in the waters during the Feast of Mahal na Krus sa Wawa on belief that graces and blessings will again pour in the town.
Manuel Lukban Jr, and his men from the Bulacan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) while conducting rescue operation in an under construction warehouse-building in the boundary of Bustos and Pandi towns on Friday. Photo by the Bulacan PDRRMO
Manuel Lukban Jr, and his men from the Bulacan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) while conducting rescue operation in an under construction warehouse-building in the boundary of Bustos and Pandi towns on Friday. Photo by the Bulacan PDRRMO
CAMP GEN. ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan-Two construction workers were killed while three orhers were seriously injured after a portion in a building they are constructing collapsed on Friday, reports from the Bulacan provincial police said.
Bulacan police information officer Maj. Jaynalyn Udal said on Saturday that one of the victins was recovered lifeless during police and rescue team retrieval operations while another one who was buried in the debris of the fallen structure has yet to be recovered.
Four other workers remain being treated in a hospital.
The incident happened in a warehouse in JL Toys Inter Global Industrial Complex in the boundary of Barangay Buisan, Bustos and Barangay Bagbaguin Pandi shortly before 4 p.m.
Based on report, the workers initially discovered a deformity in the slab they are constructing where they mmediately installed braces to prevent it from collapsing. However, the braces later broke down.
Prince Allan Pelayo, Sarah Butad, and Wino Dela Cruz
Proofread by Hannah Castillo
What began as one volunteer’s dream became a ripple of hope—now transformed into a wave of lasting impact.
In a meaningful collaboration between nonprofits, I am MAD (Making A Difference) Volunteers Inc. (I am MAD) and Alon and Araw Club (AAC) recently brought together 27 volunteers and 50 children beneficiaries to the 102nd MAD Camp in Cabangan, Zambales. MAD Camp is a values-driven, youth-focused program designed to ignite purpose, passion, and change.
A leader’s dream, realized
This milestone camp marked a first for I am MAD—a full co-creation model with another nonprofit. “What’s unique about this camp is that we didn’t just partner with Alon and Araw Club to bring in participants, we co-designed the entire experience,” said Maco Ravanzo, co-founder of I am MAD. “We came to share our core values with the kids, but we also gained so much from our friends at AAC, especially their environmental advocacy and how they empower communities through ocean protection.”
The initiative was co-led by Teacher Lourie Garcia, project manager at AAC and a graduate of I am MAD’s 2025 Builders Training Program, a leadership immersion designed to equip volunteers to hold MAD Camps in their local communities. With deep roots in Cabangan and a heart for its children, Garcia spearheaded the camp’s planning and execution, supported by I am MAD mentors, volunteers, and local partners.
“It was exhausting to prepare, but deeply fulfilling,” Garcia shared, adding that seeing the children rediscover their power to dream and make a difference even in small ways made it all worth it. “All this was for the children’s smiles. For them, I endure. I always will.”
Two missions, one heart
Alon and Araw Club (AAC), a nonprofit based in Cabangan, Zambales, champions both ocean protection and the empowerment of underprivileged coastal children through holistic community support. For this camp, AAC brought together youth from its adopted fishing village in San Isidro and students from Sapangbato Elementary School, uniting them for a weekend of learning, connection, and advocacy.
While I am MAD led sessions on values formation, storytelling, reflection, and team-building, AAC grounded the experience with environmental education, highlighted by an immersive eco-village tour and beach cleanup led by founders Gabi del Rosario and Donn Quintos. Volunteers witnessed how AAC’s plastic upcycling program rewards families for properly segregated waste, turning trash into resources and diverting over 25,000 kilograms of plastic from the ocean to date.
“Environmental issues aren’t always a priority when families are focused on survival,” said Del Rosario. “But when you engage youth through values, sports, and storytelling—like we did with I am MAD—you spark interest and ownership.”
A defining moment of the camp was the MAD Circle, where children shared emotional letters to their parents after sessions on love and reconciliation. “This was the moment that truly pushed me to build this camp,” Garcia shared. “It’s a beautiful reminder that change starts at home.”
For volunteers, the experience was equally transformative, deepening their understanding of coastal challenges and strengthening their commitment to environmental stewardship.
Leaving ripples beyond the shore
Garcia’s journey through I am MAD’s Builders Training Program empowered her with the skills and confidence to bring her vision to life. Thanks to the support of generous sponsors and a committed community, she successfully gathered the resources needed to cover the camp’s logistics, from meals and transportation to school kits alongside various in-kind donations.
“This experience showed me that when you believe in something and act on it, the right people and resources will follow,” Garcia said.
The 102nd MAD Camp stands as a powerful reminder of what’s possible when people and purpose align. From shared values to shared action, I am MAD and AAC nurtured a spirit of compassion, empowerment, and unity—a space where dreams were affirmed, hearts were healed, and change gently took root.
And it all started with one volunteer willing to say yes.
Registration is ongoing for MAD Camps 2025, I am MAD’s flagship volunteer outreach program focused on values formation, education, and community-building for children aged 10-12 in underserved areas nationwide. To join or support, visit bit.ly/MADcamp2025reg, donate to BIDA Eskwela AmBAGan at bit.ly/bidadonate, follow fb.com/IamMakingADifference, or email iammadph@gmail.com. Learn more about Alon and Araw Club at fb.com/alonandarawclub.
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When was the last time you sat back, popcorn in hand, and let the silver screen sweep you into a whole new world? This July, SM Cinema invites you to press pause on your day-to-day and press play on a month packed with unmissable stories, larger-than-life characters, and jaw-dropping moments.
SM Center Pulilan and its sister cinemas in SM City Marilao and SM City Baliwag are rolling out the red carpet for moviegoers with a blockbuster lineup designed for every kind of fan. Whether you’re into roaring dinosaurs, caped crusaders, blue-skinned adventurers, or K-pop icons, there’s something waiting just behind the curtain.
And it’s not just what’s playing—it’s how you watch. With fully digitized theaters, stadium seating, plush recliners, and surround sound that wraps around every gasp, growl, and guitar solo, every seat at SM Cinema feels like the best in the house. Top it off with crystal-clear visuals and it’s a front-row experience, no matter where you sit.
On the Big Screen this July
Jurassic World: Rebirth kicks off the month on July 2. Set in a remote dinosaur facility, the film follows an elite team facing off against terrifying hybrid creatures—including a six-limbed T-Rex. It’s raw, thrilling, and best paired with a giant tub of popcorn from Snack Time.
Superman flies in on July 9. Directed by James Gunn and starring David Corenswet, this reboot is more than just a fresh cape. It’s a heartfelt reintroduction to the world’s original superhero, sparking new hope across the DC Universe.
Smurfs makes a whimsical return on July 16. When Papa Smurf is captured, it’s up to Smurfette and her tiny crew to take on the human world. Nostalgia meets adventure in this family-friendly film that’s as charming as it is blue.
Fantastic Four: First Steps lands on July 23, transporting audiences to a retro-futuristic version of the 1960s. With Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby facing off against Galactus, this Marvel installment blends cosmic action with heartfelt family bonds.
HYBE Cinefest in Asia takes center stage on July 10 at SM City Marilao and SM City Baliwag, showcasing electrifying performances from BTS, SEVENTEEN, and more. It’s not just a screening—it’s a K-pop concert experience on the big screen.
The best part? All of these films will also be showing in cinemas across SM City Marilao and SM City Baliwag, so no matter where you are in Bulacan, movie night is just a short trip away.
And because no movie is complete without the snacks and collectibles, Snack Time is fully loaded with all your movie munchies and limited-edition merch—from dinosaurs to superheroes to Smurf squad figurines.
So grab your friends, plan your block screenings, and get ready to be part of the story. At SM Cinema, the big screen isn’t just for watching—it’s for living.
Ready to own the screen? Gather your squad, pick your movie, and book your block screenings this July. Your blockbuster moment awaits.
📩 For bookings and inquiries: customercare@smcinema.com
📍 Available at SM Cinema nationwide!
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Living up to his commitment, Senator Joel Villanueva re-filed his bill that seeks to end contractualization in the country, stressing the measure is long overdue.
The proposed Security of Tenure and End of Endo (end of contract) bill is the senator’s top priority bill filed at the opening of the 20th Congress on June 30.
“Stop endo or stop contractualization has been the longstanding and resounding call of our workers. Endo or the repeated short-term employment without the possibility of regularization is oppressive and directly undermines the constitutional rights of workers,” said Villanueva, who headed the Senate committee in labor, employment and human resources development in the last Congress.
The bill, which seeks to amend certain provisions of the Labor Code of the Philippines, clearly states that “labor-only contracting (LOC) is prohibited.”
Specifically, it provides that LOC exists when the contractor merely supplies workers to the principal; the workers supplied are performing tasks directly related to the principal business of the contractee; and, the contractor does not exercise direct control over the deployed workers.
Villanueva pointed out that the business of mere supply of labor for the performance of directly related tasks is an indicator of LOC and the practice of wholesale outsourcing of core functions, which undermines the constitutional guarantee of security of tenure.
“This provision has been favorably endorsed by the Department of Labor and Employment based on its practical experience with enforcement and litigation,” the senator said.
He added that the Labor department believes the amendment will simplify the interpretation and implementation of the law and reduce legal ambiguity.
Villanueva also emphasized that the bill empowers the industry tripartite councils to determine which jobs are directly related to the main business of a contractee or the principal.
“Through the tripartite process, workers can voice their concerns about job outsourcing, while employers can present the operational realities and evolving demands of their business,” he said.
“This framework ensures that labor policy remains relevant, flexible, and balanced,” he added.
Villanueva expressed optimism the bill will receive support from lawmakers and Malacanang for its speedy passage.
“It’s high time for Congress to find a way to grant security of tenure to thousands of contractual workers in the private sector,” Villanueva said.
“The grant of regular status will make our workers more productive, innovative and driven. Investing in our human resources will be very well worth it,” Villanueva added.
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PARIS—The Paris Court of Appeal will on 7 July weigh what may be the final bid by heirs of the Sultan of Sulu to enforce a controversial US$15 billion arbitration over Malaysia’s Sabah, after courts across Europe tossed out the claim.
Paris – On July 7, the Paris Court of Appeal will hear what is expected to be the final legal challenge in a dispute involving a nearly US$15 billion arbitration award tied to historical claims over Sabah, a Malaysian state on the island of Borneo.
The hearing follows multiple rulings across Europe rejecting attempts by individuals claiming to be heirs of the former Sultan of Sulu to enforce the award issued by Spanish arbitrator Gonzalo Stampa in 2022. Stampa was later convicted by a Spanish court for contempt and banned from acting as an arbitrator for one year.
At the heart of the case is an 1878 agreement between the Sultan of Sulu and European traders, which remains the subject of legal and historical debate.
Efforts to enforce the arbitration award have been dismissed in Spain, France, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, with courts citing procedural irregularities, jurisdictional overreach, and the annulment of Stampa’s mandate by Spanish authorities.
With the upcoming Paris ruling, legal experts anticipate closure in a case that has tested the boundaries of international arbitration and sovereign immunity. Malaysian officials have expressed confidence that the Court of Appeal will reaffirm the inapplicability of arbitration to the 1878 agreement.
Despite legal setbacks, representatives of the claimants have signaled intentions to continue pursuing their case through alternative channels, although the path forward remains uncertain.
Full article here: https://knowsulu.ph/unforeseen-consequences/how-did-we-get-here-a-timeline-of-the-sabah-dispute
About KnowSulu.ph
Know Sulu is a collective of scholars dedicated to preserving and sharing the Sulu people’s heritage and present-day realities. Through rigorous research and firsthand narratives, it documents Sulu’s historic leadership, cultural richness, and ongoing socioeconomic challenges. The platform amplifies Sulu voices, fosters informed dialogue, and invites partners to support a resilient community’s future.
This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES
PARIS—The Paris Court of Appeal will on 7 July weigh what may be the final bid by heirs of the Sultan of Sulu to enforce a controversial US$15 billion arbitration over Malaysia’s Sabah, after courts across Europe tossed out the claim.
Paris – On July 7, the Paris Court of Appeal will hear what is expected to be the final legal challenge in a dispute involving a nearly US$15 billion arbitration award tied to historical claims over Sabah, a Malaysian state on the island of Borneo.
The hearing follows multiple rulings across Europe rejecting attempts by individuals claiming to be heirs of the former Sultan of Sulu to enforce the award issued by Spanish arbitrator Gonzalo Stampa in 2022. Stampa was later convicted by a Spanish court for contempt and banned from acting as an arbitrator for one year.
At the heart of the case is an 1878 agreement between the Sultan of Sulu and European traders, which remains the subject of legal and historical debate.
Efforts to enforce the arbitration award have been dismissed in Spain, France, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, with courts citing procedural irregularities, jurisdictional overreach, and the annulment of Stampa’s mandate by Spanish authorities.
With the upcoming Paris ruling, legal experts anticipate closure in a case that has tested the boundaries of international arbitration and sovereign immunity. Malaysian officials have expressed confidence that the Court of Appeal will reaffirm the inapplicability of arbitration to the 1878 agreement.
Despite legal setbacks, representatives of the claimants have signaled intentions to continue pursuing their case through alternative channels, although the path forward remains uncertain.
Full article here: https://knowsulu.ph/unforeseen-consequences/how-did-we-get-here-a-timeline-of-the-sabah-dispute
About KnowSulu.ph
Know Sulu is a collective of scholars dedicated to preserving and sharing the Sulu people’s heritage and present-day realities. Through rigorous research and firsthand narratives, it documents Sulu’s historic leadership, cultural richness, and ongoing socioeconomic challenges. The platform amplifies Sulu voices, fosters informed dialogue, and invites partners to support a resilient community’s future.
This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES
