Manila Bulletin - April 11, 2025

In this issue

Marcos: Probe steel magnate’s kidnap-slay
PH among least hit by US tariffs, Palace economic adviser says
LTO, BI act to ensure safe, orderly Holy Week travel
Cabin smoke forces PAL flight to make emergency landing in Japan

LTO, BI act to ensure safe, orderly Holy Week travel

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) will be conducting random inspection of passenger buses as part of the road safety measures as millions of Filipinos are expected to travel to the provinces to take advantage of the long Lenten break next week.

2 mins

Cabin smoke forces PAL flight to make emergency landing in Japan

A Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight en route to Los Angeles made an emergency landing at Haneda Airport in Tokyo, Japan after an air conditioning unit malfunctioned and emitted smoke in the aircraft's cabin.

2 mins

Marcos: Probe steel magnate's kidnap-slay

resident Marcos has ordered an investigation into the kidnapping and the death of Filipino-Chinese steel magnate Anson Que, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said.

5 mins

PH among least hit by US tariffs, Palace economic adviser says

The Philippines stands to gain a slight advantage over its Asian neighbors despite the new reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States, a Palace official said on Thursday, April 10.

2 mins

Marcos unveils overhauled teachers' board examination

In a bid to make the licensure process more relevant and responsive, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said that the long-standing one-size-fits-all teacher board exam would be replaced with a specialization-based Board Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (BLEPT) starting September 2025.

1 min

PH, Morocco renew ties

President Ferdinand R. Marcos and King Mohammed VI of Morocco renewed both countries' relationship as the two nations marked 50 years of diplomatic ties this year.

1 min

Palace slams politicians' misogynistic comments

Do not idolize or applaud politicians who make problematic comments, particularly misogynistic and insensitive remarks on women, Malacañang said after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. branded disrespectful remarks of some politicians towards women as unacceptable.

1 min

Marcos unveils overhauled teachers’ board examination

In a bid to make the licensure process more relevant and responsive, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said that the long-standing one-size-fits-all teacher board exam would be replaced with a specialization-based Board Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (BLEPT) starting September 2025.

1 min

366 cops deployed for Kanlaon victims

Vhe Philippine National Police (PNP) has deployed at least 366 policemen to assist in the evacuation and security of residents displaced by the recent eruption of Kanlaon Volcano.

1 min

Another Pinoy dies in Myanmar quake

The Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the death of another Filipino in the magnitude-7.7 earthquake in Myanmar on March 28.

1 min

Lawyer provided for 3 Filipinos accused of espionage in China

The Philippines has provided a lawyer to defend three Filipinos arrested in China for alleged spying.

1 min

Ukraine says more than 150 Chinese mercenaries are fighting for Russia in Ukraine

Ukraine on Wednesday expanded on its claim that significant numbers of Chinese nationals are fighting for Russia’s invading army, saying it had gathered detailed intelligence on more than 150 mercenaries Moscow allegedly recruited through social media. In China, officials called the allegations “totally unfounded.”

1 min

Trump limits tariffs on most nations for 90 days, raises taxes on Chinese imports

Facing a global market meltdown, President Donald Trump on Wednesday abruptly backed off his tariffs on most nations for 90 days even as he further jacked up the tax rate on Chinese imports to 125%.

2 mins

The Father is in Me and I Am in the Father

In John's Gospel, the word (ho logos) and the works (erga) of Jesus are profoundly inseparable. We have already reflected on the challenge of keeping the word of Jesus so that we will remain in him and in God the Father.

1 min

A forgotten part of Filipino culture

Last week, I wrote about Raffy Tesoro of Bio-Genetics Agriventures, Inc. and Jason Drilon’s popup at James & Daughters in Pasig which featured traditional Tagalog food that Tesoro grew up with, most, if not all of it sourced locally.

3 mins

Freedom of expression ends where intrusion to other rights begins

Freedom of speech, of expression, and of the press are cornerstones of a democratic and civilized society guaranteed by the Constitution.

2 mins

Election observers save democracies

In the Philippines, every election day is a test of our democratic resolve.

2 mins

Scientists map part of a mouse's brain that's so complex it looks like a galaxy

Thanks to a mouse watching clips from “The Matrix,” scientists have created the largest functional map of a brain to date - a diagram of the wiring connecting 84,000 neurons as they fire off messages.

3 mins

Soil from the moon's far side suggests drier conditions than the side facing Earth

Soil and rocks returned from the moon’s mysterious far side suggest it may be drier than the side constantly facing Earth, Chinese scientists reported Wednesday.

1 min

Scientists map part of a mouse’s brain that's so complex it looks like a galaxy

Thanks to a mouse watching clips from “The Matrix,” scientists have created the largest functional map of a brain to date — a diagram of the wiring connecting 84,000 neurons as they fire off messages.

3 mins

Netizens tease Mayor Vico over clear photo, but no new phone

Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto became the butt of jokes anew after netizens commented on the high quality of photo he recently posted on Facebook.

1 min

Muntinlupa LGU mandates use of licensed software

The Muntinlupa City government has enacted an ordinance mandating the use of legal and ethical software in its offices and private entities where it has contracts and agreements.

1 min

Tricycle driver behind killing, dumping of pregnant woman nabbed in Tondo

The Manila Police District (MPD) arrested on Thursday, April 10, a man who allegedly killed a pregnant woman and threw her body in a garbage dump in Tondo, Manila.

1 min

Malabon exec to pursue legal action vs fake news peddlers

Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval confirmed that her legal team is seriously considering legal action against individuals responsible for spreading fake news in the city.

1 min

Scavenger electrocuted in Pasay flood control site

A scavenger was electrocuted at the excavation site of a flood control project of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) flood control project in Pasay City on April 10.

1 min

Abby Binay calls for more training programs for teachers

Makati City Mayor and senatorial bet Abby Binay urged the national government to invest more on the professional development of teachers through programs that will enhance their education and training.

1 min

Gov’t workers told to stay neutral during election campaign

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) reminded government employees to exercise caution in their social media activities during the campaign period for the May 2025 elections.

1 min

'Greatest' induction set today

Greatness is set to be immortalized as the league formalizes the induction of the 10 new players to its celebrated list in the PBA 50th Anniversary Gala Night at the Solaire Resort North on Friday, April 11.

1 min

JGFP Inter-Club starts Friday

A total of 37 teams including seven international squads start their bid in the 2025 edition of the Junior Golf Foundation of the Philippines (JGFP) Inter-Club championship scheduled April 11 to 14 at the Mimosa Plus Golf Course in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga

1 min

The long wait is over

The long, arduous wait has finally ended for Olivarez College.

1 min

‘Greatest’ induction set today

Greatness is set to be immortalized as the league formalizes the induction of the 10 new players to its celebrated list in the PBA 50th Anniversary Gala Night at the Solaire Resort North on Friday, April 11.

1 min

Luka magic lives on

Doncic emotional in return to old home

2 mins

Insurers' investments expanded to yield more returns

The Insurance Commission (IC) has released new guidelines introducing a broader range of allowable investments for insurance companies, reinsurers, and mutual benefit associations (MBAs).

1 min

Insurers’ investments expanded to yield more returns

The Insurance Commission (IC) has released new guidelines introducing a broader range of allowable investments for insurance companies, reinsurers, and mutual benefit associations (MBAs).

1 min

Robust consumption boosts RFM earnings

Food and beverage firm RFM Corp. aims to grow its revenues and bottom line by midto high single-digit percentages this year, driven by growth in its ice cream, milk, pasta, flour, bread, and mixes segments.

1 min

BSP: 'Further' rate cuts after 25 bps

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) much-anticipated quarter-point interest rate cut is expected to bolster local economic expansion, especially as global headwinds, including United States (US) tariffs, could weigh on Philippine growth.

1 min

Reprieve

AS we, in this part of the hemisphere, were sleeping, the other side of the trading world was greeted with a surprise proclamation that the United States’ (US) reciprocal tariff on 185 economies, including the Philippines but excluding China, will be put on hold for 90 days.

2 mins

Puregold expands provincial presence

After posting record earnings in 2024, Lucio Co-led grocery retail chain Puregold Price Club Inc. (PGOLD) is looking to further grow its businesses by ramping up expansion in the provinces this year.

1 min

2025 Isuzu mu-X will be at this year's MIAS

Now with more tech and enhanced safety

2 mins

2025 Isuzu mu-X will be at this year’s MIAS

Now with more tech and enhanced safety

2 mins

Tamaraw protectors receive mobility and equipment aid from Toyota PH

The Toyota Tamaraw will play a crucial role in protecting the noble animal it is named after. Toyota Motor Philippines Foundation (TMPF), the social and humanitarian arm of Toyota Motor Philippines, turns over a brand-new locally-produced Tamaraw vehicle and Bantay Tamaraw Kits as support to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) Tamaraw Conservation Program (TCP).

1 min

Citicore solar arm pursues grid link

Citicore Renewable Energy Corp.’s (CREC) solar unit in Pangasinan is seeking the approval of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to develop facilities linking its solar project to the Luzon grid.

1 min

Vivant unit supplies water to Metro Cebu

Vivant Corp. announced that its water unit has secured a 25-year supply deal with the Metropoliten Cebu Water District (MCWD) to help address Metro Cebu’s water shortage concerns.

1 min

Del Monte takes on more debt

Del Monte Pacific Ltd. (DMPL) reported that its debt burden has increased by $20 million as it took out a loan to settle a dispute with creditors of its US subsidiaries over allegations of default in 2022.

1 min

Martin swings both ways

Reverting to a thorough ly masculine role is such a welcome change for Martin Escudero, who has been signed as one of three lead stars of upcoming film, “Beyond the Call of Duty.”

1 min

FDCP praises procurement of movie restoration machine

In a groundbreaking announcement, Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jose Javier Reyes revealed an exciting development for the local film industry: the government has procured a state-of-the-art movie restoration machine for the first time.

2 mins

Your perfect ZYN: Elevated and future of nicotine enjoyment

With its nicotine pouches, you can experience ZYN anytime, anywhere—without the smoke, smell, or hassle.

2 mins

Balancing act

Looks that capture both play and work, ease and style

2 mins

Escape into these pages

Kick off your summer book list with these great summer reads

1 min

Hit the ground running

Ignite your passion for running with Hannah Pangilinan and her club, Just One

3 mins

Discover more adventure and freedom this Holy Week with the new Kia Carnival

As Holy Week approaches, families are gearing up for long-awaited road trips, excited to explore new destinations and create lasting memories. Whether it's the peaceful beaches of Pagudpud or the serene vistas of Bicol, the journey itself is what makes a road trip unforgettable—the shared moments, scenic detours, and the freedom of the open road. The right vehicle can elevate this experience, offering elegant styling, a smooth ride, and features that prioritize convenience and enjoyment. Vehicles like the New Kia Carnival stand out as ideal choices, blending eye-catching designs, premium amenities, and fuel-saving technology. Whether heading to a tranquil beach, a quiet mountain retreat, or an idyllic countryside escape, these vehicles ensure comfort and unforgettable moments along the way.

3 mins

Celebrating 20 years of legacy: MIAS driven by connections

Get ready to shift gears and turn on the ignition, because the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) 2025 is now officially open, celebrating its 20th year since its first inception in 2005!

2 mins

Driven by Connection: MIAS celebrates two decades of automotive excellence

The Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) is the country's premier auto show, celebrating the automotive industry by highlighting the newest technologies developed in the industry.

1 min

All-new Elantra officially unveiled at 2025 MIAS, now available in Hybrid and N Line variants

Hyundai Motor Philippines Inc. (HMPH) officially reveals the all-new ELANTRA during the 20th Manila International Auto Show. This launch serves as the comeback of one the brand's iconic nameplates.

2 mins

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