Ched Chairperson Agrupis, 3 others face Ombudsman complaint over Program Closures, Alleged Bad Faith

Shirley C. Agrupis, Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and four other CHED officials are facing a graft and administrative misconduct complaint before the Ombudsman's Office in connection with the closure of several degree programs at campuses affiliated with a major private higher education network.

The complaint also names Agrupis' chief of staff and three regional directors, who oversee CHED operations across the country. The complaint charges them with violating Section 3 (e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, as well as grave misconduct, oppression, and conduct detrimental to the best interests of the service.

According to the complaint, CHED issued resolutions in early March 2026 ordering the closure or phase-out of several degree programs at the network's three campuses, citing noncompliance with regulatory requirements for program administration, faculty, and facilities. The institution that operates the affected campuses claims it did not contest the closures. The complaint criticizes CHED's handling of the public rollout, specifically a series of advisories posted on CHED's official website and Facebook pages that directly named the affected campuses, with public comments left open on the posts.

The complaint claims that because the campuses share a single, well-known brand, the public misinterpreted the advisories as signaling the closure of the entire institution, rather than just a few programs at three of its approximately 150 campuses. Campus administrators across the network reportedly received a slew of concerned calls from students, parents, and partner institutions who believed the entire system was closing.

The complaint further alleges that the institution, through its representative, sent three separate written appeals to Chairperson Agrupis between late April and early May 2026, requesting that CHED coordinate an orderly transition and refrain from further public dissemination while the matter was being resolved. Each letter reportedly received an automated acknowledgment but no substantive response. Despite these requests, the complaint alleges that CHED re-published the advisories on Facebook in mid-May, this time with comments enabled, causing additional reputational and financial harm during a critical enrollment period.

According to the complaint, the resulting damage was significant enough to prompt inquiries from the institution's bank and media coverage, as well as contribute to lost enrollment opportunities that may be difficult to fully recover.

Beyond its own case, the complaint accuses CHED of applying regulatory standards unevenly. It cites public statements from a lawmaker and prior news reports to show that hundreds of teacher education programs across the country were flagged for closure due to licensure exam performance, but were not treated with the same urgency and public scrutiny as the campuses at the center of this complaint. The complainant claims that vigorous public action in one case and comparative inaction in others demonstrates bias.

The Ombudsman's complaint is not the institution's only legal action. The company has filed a complaint with the Anti-Red Tape Authority regarding CHED's failure to respond to its appeals. They are also seeking an injunction in a Quezon City trial court to prevent further dissemination of the advisories and recover ₱20 million in moral damages.

The Iconic Blue Magic Opens at SM Center Sangandaan

For many Filipinos, Blue Magic has long been associated with significant life events. From teddy bears and novelty gifts to keepsakes for birthdays, graduations, and anniversaries, the homegrown brand has spent nearly four decades helping customers commemorate special occasions.

Caloocan shoppers now have easier access to their favorite gift items thanks to the opening of Blue Magic's newest store on the ground floor of SM Center Sangandaan, which is conveniently located near Watsons.

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Blue Magic was founded in 1985 and has since grown to become one of the country's most well-known gift retailers, offering plush toys, novelty items, home décor, and gift options for every occasion. Its enduring appeal stems from its ability to combine affordable finds with sentimental value, making it a popular shopping destination for generations of Filipinos.

The new store offers a diverse range of gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, holidays, and everyday occasions. Whether customers want a simple token of appreciation or a meaningful present, the store has gift ideas for every budget and occasion.

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Customers can also receive additional benefits through the Blue-tiful Rewards program. Shoppers with purchase receipts totaling ₱5,000 until December 31, 2026 can qualify for VIP status and receive 10% off select regular-priced items for a year.

Blue Magic also has a pop-up store on the mall's 5th Floor for shoppers who are closer to SM City Grand Central, making it another convenient location to find thoughtful gifts.

With the opening of its newest branch at your favorite SM Center Sangandaan, as well as its presence at SM City Grand Central, Blue Magic continues to make its signature gift selections more accessible to shoppers in northern Metro Manila.

Tanduay Raises the Bar for Philippine Rums Anew with Two Gold Wins in the U.S.

Tanduay's position as a leading producer of premium rums was strengthened when two of its products received Gold Medals at the 2026 Bartender Spirits Awards, which took place on June 10 in Chicago, USA.

Tanduay Double Rum and Tanduay Reserve Rum 10 Years both received 95 points in a contest to determine how well spirits perform in real-world hospitality settings.

“The awards Tanduay has received throughout the years show that Philippine rums can truly compete with the world’s best. And what makes our latest wins at the Bar-tender Spirits Awards even more special is that it was judged by a panel composed ex-clusively of bartenders and hospitality professionals. These are the people who know what spirits truly shine from shelf to glass. These international awards reflect Tanduay’s commitment to Filipino craftsmanship and innovation, and they inspire us to continue showcasing the best of the Philippines on the global stage.” ~Roy Kristoffer Sumang, Tanduay Interna-tional Business Development Manager

Two of Tanduay’s Finest Premium Rums

Tanduay Double Rum is a blend of 16 and 5 year-old rums that are aged an additional two years in ex-bourbon barrels. This aging process enhances the award-winning rum's flavor harmony from start to finish, making it an excellent sipping rum.

According to the 2026 Bartender Spirits Awards’ tasting notes, Tanduay Double Rum’s “aromas of honeysuckle, marzipan, and nutmeg lead to a palate of toasted toffee and cacao, culminating in a soft, long, and very pleasant finish.”

Tanduay Reserve Rum 10 Years, another internationally recognized product, is a bold blend of rums aged in oak barrels for a decade. It is an overproof rum with an ABV of 50.5%.

In the 2026 Bartender Spirits Awards, its tasting notes were “aromas of honey, dried fruit, and spice” that “lead to a smooth, approachable palate with evolving candied fruit notes and a balanced, lingering finish.”

How Products Are Scored

Spirits are evaluated based on their mixability (how well they blend or combine in cocktails), balance and versatility (flavor and aroma), and taste, mouthfeel, and finish. They are also judged on their packaging, creative design, la-bel quality, label details, back-bar appeal, and functionality (including shape, size, weight, and ease of pouring), as well as their value, or how much they cost and what value they offer.

Bronze Medals are given to spirits who score 80-84 points, Silver to those who score 85-89 points, Gold to those who score 90-95 points, and Double Gold to those who score 96 or more points.

More About the Bartender Spirits Awards

The Bartender Spirits Awards seek to identify products that perform well in the United States' on-premise market, assisting bars, restaurants, hotels, and hospitality venues in discovering spirits with high commercial potential. 

The competition is judged entirely by hospitality professionals, and the winning spirits are recognized for their quality and practicality in real-world beverage programs.

Learn more about Tanduay’s products and latest events and promotions by following its  official social media accounts. Tanduay products are available via its official e-commerce site, www.shots.ph, and from leading liquor stores and supermarkets nation-wide.

About Tanduay

Tanduay is one of the most-awarded rum brands in the Philippines, receiving various local and international citations. In 2017, it was declared the World’s No. 1 Rum by Drinks International magazine. Tanduay will hold this title for nine consecutive years.

Tanduay started out as a distillery in Hagonoy, Bulacan, a province in the island of Luzon known for its heroes and craftsmen. It changed ownership throughout the decades and has been under the Lucio Tan Group of Companies, Inc., one of the biggest conglomerates in the Philippines, since 1988.

Even as the years passed, Tanduay has maintained the traditional way of distilling its rums, a practice that started in its now decommissioned Manila distillery. It has likewise consistently maintained its product quality, ensuring that Filipinos and foreigners alike will enjoy the same taste and aroma of a Tanduay product wherever they are in the world

More Miles Than Milestones? Agrupis' Foreign Trips Face Scrutiny

Shirley Agrupis, Chair of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), is under increasing scrutiny for her frequent foreign engagements, raising questions about whether she has become the agency's most traveled chairperson in history—and what Philippine higher education has gained from her trips abroad.

Agrupis' increasingly visible presence at international meetings has piqued the interest of critics and education sector observers, who are now calling for greater transparency regarding the number, cost, and outcomes of her overseas trips.

Her latest trip to Paris has brought the issue back into focus.

In a social media post, Agrupis described the extreme heat in Paris, claiming that temperatures had reached 43 degrees Celsius and were "too hard to tolerate/survive."

She also made broad observations about Paris' preparedness for climate change, claiming that the "world's famous City apparently is not ready or have not anticipated that climate change was coming."

Agrupis went on to complain about the lack of air conditioning in homes, apartments, some hotels, and public places, claiming there was "practically NO place to hang on" in the heat.

The remarks raised eyebrows over the tone of a senior Philippine government official commenting publicly on conditions in a host country while attending an international engagement.

Agrupis ended her post with a call to action on climate change: “LET US save our planet EARTH.”

The post drew reactions online, including one social media user who remarked: “Let's save our planet earth tapos nag travel sa Paris. Hahaha.”

Beyond the social media exchange, however, questions over Agrupis' foreign travel remain.

Critics have begun to question whether her overseas schedule has surpassed that of previous CHED chairpersons. A review and public disclosure of CHED's official travel records could reveal the number of trips Agrupis has made, their funding sources, and the measurable outcomes of each engagement.

Foreign travel is not uncommon for the head of CHED, especially as Philippine universities expand international partnerships and participate in regional and global education programs.

However, observers believe the frequency of such engagements should be accompanied by clear and tangible benefits for the country's higher education sector.

How many overseas trips has Agrupis made since taking office? How much money has been spent on these engagements, and what concrete programs, partnerships, or opportunities have they created for Filipino students and institutions?

At a time when CHED continues to face pressing domestic concerns, the growing focus on Agrupis' international travel is unlikely to fade without greater transparency.

The records can be used to determine whether Agrupis is CHED's most traveled chairperson. The more important question is what Philippine higher education has gained from all those miles.

PCPPI, LC BigMak renew beverage partnership for nationwide outlet network

The local fast-food kiosk chain LC BigMak and Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI) have officially extended their partnership, ushering in a new phase of a business partnership based on nearly ten years of cooperation, common standards, and service to Filipino customers.

The PCPPI Sto hosted a ceremonial contract signing that formalized the renewed agreement. PCPPI will become LC BigMak's exclusive beverage partner across its more than 850 locations nationwide thanks to the Tomas Plant in Batangas.

The signing was attended by senior leaders from PCPPI, PepsiCo, and LC BigMak, including PCPPI President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Phyo Phyu Noe, Chief Commercial Officer Lyndon Cuadra, and General Manager for Food Service and National Development Joseph Michael Go; PepsiCo General Manager Aditya Sheoran, Chief Marketing Officer Nicole Villarojo, and Franchise Lead Juris Melencio; and LC BigMak Chairman and Founder Francis Dy, Founder Edna Dy, and CEO Mark Dy.

The renewed partnership, according to PCPPI, is a reflection of the company's ongoing commitment to enhancing food service relationships by providing dependable supply, consistent execution, and greater value to clients and consumers.

“This is not a cold beginning. It is a return. A renewal. A second chapter,” said Phyo. “We will serve LC BigMak with the seriousness that your history deserves, with the discipline that your scale requires, and with the ambition that your future warrants.” ~Phyo Phyu Noe, PCPPI President and Chief Executive Officer

LC BigMak, a family-run business founded in 1984 with its headquarters located in Lucena City, has developed into one of the most well-known fast-food burger kiosk networks in the nation. In keeping with the brand's familial origins, the name is derived from the initials of Maxima and Kimsuy, the founders' parents.

“We are proud to partner again with a globally recognized brand like Pepsi,” Dy said. “To our partners in Pepsi, thank you for your renewed trust and collaboration. We look forward to building an even stronger partnership in the years ahead.” ~Francis Dy, BigMak Chairman and Founder 

By combining the chain's well-known, affordable food options with PepsiCo beverages that are consistently served throughout its locations, PCPPI and LC BigMak hope to improve the experience throughout LC BigMak's national network.

Additionally, the renewed partnership demonstrates PCPPI's wider dedication to providing better route-to-market support, disciplined execution, and partnerships that add value to regular consumer events in order to serve more customers.

PCPPI is the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the Philippines, with products such as Pepsi, Mountain Dew, 7Up, Mirinda, Mug, Gatorade, Sting, Tropicana, Lipton Iced Tea, Milkis, Chum Churum, Saero, and Premier. More information about PCPPI and its products is available via www.pepsiphilippines.com.

Vermosa Green Run 5.0 achieves sustainability goals

The fifth edition of the Vermosa Green Run took place on Sunday, June 28, at the Vermosa Estates in Imus, Cavite, with over 2,000 runners and their dogs.

The five-tiered dawn run drew running enthusiasts, run club members, elite runners, and fun runners, as well as members of the running media. Edgardo Panopio and Lorely Magalona won gold in the 21K category; Jomm Lacanilao-Gay and Patrice Quiday dominated the 10K run; John Mark Balogo and Ira Alvaro finished first in the 5K category; Jessi Valentine and Danielle Sophia dominated the 3K category; and Moises Calastravo and his dog, Onzi, made their mark in the 1K Dog Run.

Participants in the Run were encouraged to donate used plastic bottles. These would then be turned over to the Makati Development Corporation (MDC) for upcycling into eco-bricks to support sustainable construction at Ayala Land projects. 

The runners' singlets, finisher shirts, and dog bandanas were also made entirely from recycled PET bottles, converting plastic waste into high-quality sportswear.

"We wanted our runners to experience sustainability both literally and symbolically. This year, we offered a discount for donating used PET bottles, and the community supported this! Celebrating our landmark fifth consecutive year, the energy across our 3K, 5K, 10K, 21K tracks, and 1K Dog Run was unmatched. Seeing families, elite athletes, and pet lovers come together at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub shows that our community's passion for fitness is deeply intertwined with environmental action. Looking ahead, our goal is to continue scaling this impact. While Vermosa remains our flagship home because of its expansive, nature-forward open spaces, we are constantly exploring deeper corporate and community partnerships. We want to bring more runners into the fold each year, proving that active, high-performance lifestyles can be completely sustainable." ~Lani Tan, General Manager of the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub

Environmental runs, such as the Vermosa Green Run, help to save the planet by raising funds for ecological projects, promoting sustainable habits, and directly supporting initiatives like tree planting.

This year, the Vermosa Green Run encouraged corporate and group registrations, inviting groups of ten to participate and automatically join the Haribon Foundation's Forests for Life Movement. The Haribon initiative supports native tree planting and forest restoration projects in partner communities across the country by bringing together individuals, organizations, and local communities to restore degraded forests through a science-based rainforestation approach that focuses on planting and nurturing native tree species.

"Our partnership with the Haribon Foundation is a cornerstone of why we do this. Over the past few editions, the funds raised have gone directly into Haribon's Adopt-a-Seedling and rainforestation programs. For this milestone 5th edition, we were overwhelmed by registrations where we attracted many groups of 10. That means hundreds of new native trees will be nurtured directly because of our runners’ strides today. Crossing the finish line is fantastic, but knowing your team left a lasting ecological legacy is the real victory." ~Letty Oh-Naňagas, Vermosa Marketing Manager

Beneficiaries of The Green Run at Vermosa 2026 are Haribon Foundation, Takbo Kabitenyo and Pawssion Project as the expression of its advocacy for ecosystem conservation, an active lifestyle and youth sports development, and animal welfare.

Supporters of the fifth edition of the Vermosa Green Run are Oishi, Merrell, Pocari, Salonpas, Booster C, Fitbar, Gatsby, Milo, Apex, Topbreed, Dunsk Kuhner, Baby Boo, Chef Special, Entrée Gourmet Pet Treats, Saint Roche, The Gourmet Specialist, Zert, and Wonderpaw.

Rain or Shine: Discover Rainy-Day Essentials at Your Most Loved SM Bulacan Malls

Rainy days may bring gloomy skies, but they also provide an excellent opportunity to refresh your everyday look with weather-resistant basics. Whether you're going to work, running errands, or spending a relaxing day at home, there are plenty of ways to find everything you need for the season at Your Most Loved SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag, and SM Centre Pulilan.

1. Stylish Raincoats

A trendy raincoat is a must-have for rainy days. It provides both protection and style. The SM Store offers a diverse range of brilliant colors and traditional neutral designs to suit any wardrobe.

2. Waterproof Footwear

Wet pavements are no match for sturdy and fashionable waterproof footwear. Crocs and Melissa Clube  in SM City Marilao provides comfortable rain shoes and sandals that keep every step dry while remaining attractive.

3. Compact Umbrellas

Unexpected downpours become less of an issue with a dependable compact umbrella. Mr. DIY at SM Center Pulilan offers a wide range of umbrellas in traditional forms and interesting prints, making them ideal for everyday usage.

4. Cozy Accessories

Rainy days necessitate warm and comfortable gear. Scarves, caps, and other comfortable items are available at the SM Store to complement any rainy-day ensemble with both comfort and style.

5. Waterproof Bags

Miniso's waterproof bags make it easy to keep personal goods dry. These bags, made from sturdy materials like nylon and coated canvas, combine functionality with modern style for everyday use.

6. Insulated Drinkware

Staying hydrated is vital regardless of the weather. Surplus, AquaFlask, and Sunnies Flask sell insulated tumblers and bottles that keep beverages hot or cold longer, making them ideal companions throughout the day.

Rainy days no longer have to disrupt plans or style. From fashionable attire and practical accessories to everyday supplies, SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag, and SM Center Pulilan provide everything needed to stay prepared, comfortable, and stylish during the rainy season, All For You.

About SM Supermalls

SM Supermalls is evolving—shaping how people live, connect, and experience life today. More than a place to shop, it is the country’s most loved mall and an everyday destination designed around the lifestyles, passions, and needs of Filipino communities, delivering new finds, fresh concepts, and meaningful experiences, All For You.

As one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators, with 90 malls in the Philippines and 9 in China, SM Supermalls continues to evolve its spaces, experiences, and partnerships, building destinations that grow with communities and remain trusted, relevant, and loved for generations. Your Most Loved Supermall, SM — All For You.