Manila Bulletin - April 13, 2025

In this issue

No to bullying in schools; DepEd focuses on student safety, respect, equality, positive culture
Blue economy pushed to boost energy needs
10,000 cops mobilized to secure Metro Manila during Holy Week

No to bullying in schools

DepEd focuses on student safety, respect, equality, positive culture

1 min

Goodbye, Pilita

Asia's Queen of Songs Pilita Corrales has passed away. She was 85.

2 mins

Blue economy pushed to boost energy needs

Stakeholders from various sectors believe that harnessing the power of the blue economy could help the Philippines meet its increasing energy needs amid over-reliance on imported fuels that make electricity expensive.

2 mins

10,000 cops mobilized to secure Metro Manila during Holy Week

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has mobilized over 10,000 policemen to secure transportation hubs, major thoroughfares and expected places of convergence in Metro Manila during the Holy Week.

1 min

Repair works on Magallanes flyover starts

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has started weekend repair works on the north-bound lanes of the Magallanes Flyover along EDSA in Makati City to improve traffic flow and ensure road safety.

1 min

WHO faces scrutiny for hiring senior directors despite budget crunch

The World Health Organization (WHO) is facing scrutiny for expanding its senior director ranks in Geneva, raising concerns about the allocation of limited resources. Critics argue that this diverts funds from crucial public health initiatives, particularly as the organization grapples with a budget deficit.

2 mins

SC urges gov’t to improve jail facilities

The Supreme Court (SC) has called on the government to improve jail facilities to provide clean, adequately equipped, and sanitary facilities for persons arrested and detained.

3 mins

43 stung by native bees at Tagum City park

Forty-three visitors were taken to the Davao Regional Medical Center after they stung by a swarm of native bees at the Energy Park in Tagum City, Davao del Norte on Wednesday afternoon, April 10.

1 min

Malaysia deports Sytin murder suspect

Malaysia has deported businessman Alan Dennis Sytin, who allegedly masterminded the killing of his brother Dominic, president and chief executive officer of United Auctioneers Inc., in 2018 in a hotel at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority in Olongapo City, Zambales.

1 min

2 soldiers dead in Basilan ambush

A manhunt is in full swing in Basilan province after two Army soldiers were killed and another wounded in an ambush Friday afternoon in Tuburan town.

1 min

Not just another guilt trip

Today's Gospel reading presents a striking image: The almighty God appearing utterly powerless.

2 mins

Palm Sunday: A reflection on peace and purpose

Today is Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week, the day the faithful reflects on the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.

2 mins

More than love: What women truly deserve

In the Philippines, we've grown up on stories that tell us love conquers all. From teleseryes to timeless kundimans, we are taught that no matter the hardship, as long as there's love, everything else will fall into place.

2 mins

If food be the language of love

Two food-related events I attended last week could very well stand as testimonials to the saying that food is the language of love given the enthusiasm, the audible sighs of satisfaction, and the break-out of smiling faces that the events elicited.

3 mins

Amid division, let us put our nation first

As the political campaign heats up, we are once again seeing the country gripped by division, mudslinging, and personal attacks. The atmosphere has become toxic — full of noise, anger, and venom.

2 mins

Asteroid that won't hit Earth resembles a spinning hockey puck

The asteroid that once had a small chance of striking Earth and now might slam into the moon resembles a spinning hockey puck, scientists said Tuesday.

1 min

Pinoy vloggers with pro-China narratives on West PH Sea should be charged - solon

Lanao del Sur 1st district Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong didn't mince his words when he was asked about his opinion on Filipino vloggers who appear to favor China's side and twist details on the West Philippine (WPS) issue.

2 mins

All NEDA employees to be retained under new DEPDev

All the current employees of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) will be retained under the new Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), which was officially created with the enactment of Republic Act (RA) No. 12145.

1 min

Access agreement to spur PH-Japan defense partnership

The Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) signed by the Philippines and Japan will further propel the two countries’ defense partnership once it takes effect, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. said.

1 min

AFP patrols seas in Luzon, holds exercise with US Marines in Mindanao

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced on Saturday, April 12, that it had conducted a sovereignty patrol in the Luzon Strait, while simultaneously holding joint military exercises with United States (US) forces in Mindanao, provid-ing coordinated efforts that sought to enhance 360-degree maritime domain awareness and strengthen national defense capabilities across the country.

1 min

PH, France forge stronger ties on transport, maritime security

The Philippines and France have strengthened their bilateral and diplomatic relations with the signing of several agreements ranging from transportation, maritime security, search and rescue operations to climate resiliency.

1 min

2 Grade 8 students stabbed dead by 3 schoolmates in Las Piñas

Two Grade 8 students died after they were stabbed by three fellow students outside their school in Las Piñas City on Friday, April 11.

1 min

Kerwin says over police whitewash of shooting he is concerned

Kerwin Espinosa expressed concern about the possibility of a whitewash by the police following the alleged involvement of seven Ormoc City police officers led by city police chief Police Col. Reydante Ariza in the assassination attempt against him on Thursday, April 10.

2 mins

Yoon leaves presidential residence

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol left the presidential residence in Seoul on Friday for his private home, a week after the Constitutional Court removed him from office over his ill-fated imposition of martial law in December.

2 mins

6 dead in US chopper crash

A family from Spain was about to celebrate the ninth birthday of one of their children when their sightseeing helicopter broke apart in midair and crashed into the Hudson River between New York City and New Jersey, killing all six people aboard in the latest US aviation disaster, officials said Friday.

2 mins

Trump says he’s ‘in good shape’ after physical

President Donald Trump had an annual physical Friday and concluded, “I did well,” praising his own heart, soul, and cognitive ability while noting medical reports from White House doctors may not be ready until the weekend.

2 mins

Applause for the legends

PBA honors past and present in golden anniversary celebration

2 mins

Popovici, Arnett grab early lead

EL NIDO — The scorching heat could do little to affect Romania’s Constantin Popovici and USA’s Kaylea Arnett as both veterans remained cool and collected to grab early leads on the opening day of the 2025 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series here on the scenic Lagen Island in Palawan Friday, April 11.

1 min

Bolts, FiberXers try to bounce back

Meralco and Converge are looking for a quick bounce back when they take on separate foes in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Sunday, April 13.

1 min

SM Active Hub is your ultimate sports playground

Run, play, and stay active—anytime, anywhere!

2 mins

Online sellers aware of AI, but adoption remains low

While online W sellers are increasingly aware of the power of artificial intelligence, a significant hurdle remains in translating this knowledge into tangible benefits for their businesses.

4 mins

Filipinos rethink ‘sin product' purchases at sari-sari stores

For decades, the sales patterns in the Philippines' sari-sari stores have offered a reliable micro-level view of consumer behavior and local economic conditions.

2 mins

The rise of green developments

As sustainability becomes a priority, building greener cities has emerged as a key focus for developers.

3 mins

Likely exhibitionist

Artofbecoming a good actor is the openness to transform.In terms of skills, an actor can always enroll in a workshop to improve his acting.

2 mins

Mariah Carey on her career, the Hall of Fame and new music

It may be hard to conceive of now, but there was once a lull in Mariah Carey’s superstar career.

3 mins

Katy Perry prepares for spaceflight

After a long day of rehearsing for her upcoming world tour, Katy Perry decided to peruse a few books to help her unwind before bed.

2 mins

Bella Thompson gets fierce in first action role

Bella Thompson is ready to kick ass!

2 mins

Deepfake criminals targeting K-pop artists nabbe

Global entertainment lifestyle platform company HYBE and Korea's Northern Gyeonggi Provincial Police Agency (NGPPA) arrested eight suspects responsible for creating and distributing deepfake videos of HYBE Music Group artists.

1 min

Gloria Diaz, 73, opens up about relationship with a younger man

Former Miss Universe Gloria Diaz, 73, revealed she has been in a relationship with a younger man for 28 years.

3 mins

A world of unfiltered reality

Filipino author Johannes Chua’s journey into dark fiction with debut book ‘Kuwentong Butsero’

4 mins

Championing Filipino artistic geniuses

The works of National Artists for Visual Arts find anew canvas in Globe At Home’s latest devices

2 mins

Life in perfect harmony

\"I was born very sick, allergic to almost everything,\" says Koleen Davila-Palaganas. \"I spent my first eight months in an incubator, surviving only on dextrose and sugar water.\"

2 mins

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