Manila Bulletin - April 16, 2025

In this issue

ASEAN seeks talks with US on tariffs

ASEAN seeks talks with US on tariffs

Bloc won't impose retaliatory measures

1 min

US anti-ship missile system 'NMESIS' in PH for Balikatan

A cutting-edge coastal anti-ship missile system from the United States Marine Corps has reached the Philippine shores and will be seeing action in the upcoming Balikatan Exercise 2025 next week, a ranking military official confirmed on Tuesday, April 15.

2 mins

Marina tightens watch on unsafe vessels this Holy Week

The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has conducted a two-week inspection of passenger and cargo ships in various ports nationwide to ensure the safety of hundreds of thousands of sea travelers this Holy Week.

1 min

2 new Court of Appeals associate justices assume posts

Two newly appointed Court of Appeals (CA) associate justices have assumed their posts after taking their oaths of office before Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo.

1 min

ASEAN seeks talks with US on tariffs

Unlike other regions and countries that have taken retaliatory measures against United States President Donald Trump's imposition of increased tariffs on foreign goods, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will instead seek “a frank and constructive dialogue” to address trade-related concerns.

1 min

Hamas says it’s sending a delegation to Qatar to continue Gaza ceasefire talks

A Hamas official said Monday that the Palestinian militant group is sending a delegation to the Gulf state of Qatar to continue indirect ceasefire talks with Israel over the war in Gaza, as the territory’s Health Ministry said that 38 people were confirmed dead over the past day.

2 mins

Singapore dissolves parliament, paving the way for general elections

Singapore's parliament was dissolved Tuesday, paving the way for general elections in which the city-state's long-ruling People's Action Party will seek to strengthen its dominance under Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

1 min

Xi makes a case for free trade as he tours Southeast Asia

China's Xi is making the case for free trade as he tours Southeast Asia this week, presenting China as a source of \"stability and certainty.\"

2 mins

CHED: Free higher education in local universities to continue

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on Monday, April 14, announced that the government will continue to provide free higher education in local universities and colleges (LUCs) across the country, following a significant funding boost aimed at strengthening access to quality tertiary education.

1 min

DOT expands tourist assistance with Mandarin-speaking agents

In response to the growing influx of tourists from China, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has expanded its language services by deploying Mandarin-speaking agents to enhance support for Chinese visitors.

1 min

Pamalakaya warns of price manipulation as fish costs surge during Holy Week

Progressive fishers’ group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) on Tuesday, April 15, warned against what it called the “manipulation” of fish prices by private traders as retail costs soar during the Holy Week.

1 min

Sea drones found in PH waters ‘likely’ deployed by China — PH Navy

Three of the five submersible drones found in different parts of the country's waters since 2022 were likely deployed by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to map out the Philippines’ underwater terrain, a Philippine Navy (PN) official bared Tuesday, April 15.

2 mins

Palace says Imee’s ‘itim’ ad campaign more suited to describe Duterte administration

Malacañang lashed at Sen. Imee Marcos' latest campaign advertisement, which showed her being endorsed by Vice President Sara Duterte, while trying to depict the country’s current situation as “black”, and charged back by saying that it was more suited to describe the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

2 mins

They paid Him 30 pieces of silver

Today’s Gospel narrates that Judas Iscariot goes to the chief priests to betray Jesus.

2 mins

A back-to-basic Holy Week

I grew up during the time when Holy Week or Mahal na Araw was solemnly observed. There were no distractions that time.

3 mins

Holy Wednesday: ‘Timeless lessons from Judas’s betrayal

Holy Wednesday, also known as Spy Wednesday, marks a vital moment in Christianity—the day when Judas Iscariot conspired to betray Jesus Christ. This act of treachery not only set the stage for the Passion but also offers valuable insights into human nature and the perils of compromised faith.

2 mins

Democracy is fragile: But its power lies in the people

In every corner of the world where ballots are cast, democracy is tested—not just by those who count the votes, but by those who believe their voice still matters. At its best, democracy is the collective dream of a people charting their own future. But at its most vulnerable, it is a quiet hope that can be silenced with fear, forgotten in apathy, or broken by betrayal.

2 mins

Future-ready education: Angara pushes for unified reforms

As the End-of-School-Year (EOSY) rites began on Monday, April 14, Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized the importance of implement-ing comprehensive education reforms in the Philippines that aim to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to meet the demands of the future.

1 min

Program Convergence Budgeting: Synergy not silos

Assalamualaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. I am glad to share that on March 6, 2025, we, at the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), along with various government agencies, launched an initiative that synergizes efforts to make every centavo in our government coffers work harder and smarter — the ceremonial signing of the DBM-National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) that strengthens the Program Convergence Budgeting (PCB) approach in the budget process.

3 mins

Papal encyclicals have answers to global crisis

Those who have started their Lenten reflections may find a lot of insightful guidance from landmark encyclicals that remain relevant in these economically-challenging times as the wisdom of the Church’s teachings on social justice rings more urgently than ever.

3 mins

DQ case vs. Mayor Vico junked; rival may face disqualification over foreign passport use

Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto disclosed on Monday, April 14, that Pacifico \"Curlee\" Discaya II, husband of his political rival Sarah Discaya, filed a petition for disqualification against him on Jan. 28 but was immediately dismissed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

1 min

Muntinlupa, Malabon, QC LGUs ensure safe Holy Week observance

The Muntinlupa City government will launch its Lakbay Alalay 2025 to help travelers and devotees during the Holy Week while the local governments of Malabon and Quezon City rolled out their safety measures to ensure the safe observance of the Holy Week.

2 mins

Man high on drugs tries to jump from C5 flyover

A 38-year-old man who was high on drugs and attempted to jump from the C5 fly-over was rescued and subsequently arrested by the Pasig City Police after yielding illegal drugs in Barangay Ugong, Pasig City on Sunday, April 13.

1 min

Mayoral candidate Sam Verzosa ready to debate with rival Isko Moreno

Manila mayoral candidate Sam Verzosa stated that he is open to participating in a debate with rival Isko Moreno if he receives an invitation.

1 min

DOTr OKs suspension of operations of bus firm involved in multi-vehicle crash in Valenzuela

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has ordered the suspension of operations of a bus company involved in a multiple-vehicle collision on the southbound lane of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) in Valenzuela City, on Monday night, April 14, which left 13 people injured — including the bus driver and conductor.

1 min

Minimize sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. – PAGASA

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) advised the public to limit exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., especially during the Holy Week, when hot and humid conditions are expected across the country.

1 min

3 US senators now in PH, reaffirm commitment to alliance

Three Senators from the United States are currently in Manila to reaffirm Washington’s commitment and support to its alliance with the Philippines, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo said.

1 min

DOH readies for disasters, including ‘The Big One’

The Department of Health (DOH) said it is fast-tracking the development of world-class emergency medical response teams across the country to prepare for large-scale disasters, including the “The Big One” earthquake which is feared to hit Metro Manila.

1 min

Suns fire coach Budenholzer

PHOENIX ( AP) — The Phoenix Suns have parted ways with veteran coach Mike Budenholzer following one dismal season that featured a fast start before amaddening slide out of postseason contention for a high-priced roster that included Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.

1 min

Hoffman, Cabang take spotlight

Paris Olympics veterans Lauren Hoffman and John Cabang Tolentino take centerstage as the 2025 ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championships unfurls at the New Clark City next month.

1 min

Heavyweight collision

Magnolia, SMB dispute early PH Cup lead

1 min

Cool Smashers tap Russian, Kazakh imports

The Creamline Cool Smashers continue to beef up their squad for the upcoming 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League by acquiring two more reinforcements from Russia and Kazakhstan.

1 min

Rate cuts boost financial resources

The Philippine financial systems resources extem's total panded by P2.28 trillion as of end-February, driven mainly by a double-digit jump in bank lending and lower interest rates, according to preliminary data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

2 mins

ASEAN Center for MSME Development

The Philippines is being considered as the site of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) first-ever hub dedicated to the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), in recognition of its dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem.

1 min

PH to buy more Brazilian meat

Brazil, the leading world's meat exporter, is expected boost its significantly export market this year due to rising demand from key trading partners, including the Philippines, which is battling the spread of animal diseases in its domestic production.

2 mins

Reserve prices set for 4th RE auction

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has dropped its preliminary verdict on reserve prices that will prospectively guide investors on forward decision whether or not to inject capital in the next wave of renewable energy (RE) capacities to be offered in the fourth Green Energy Auction (GEA-4) that the Department of Energy (DOE) will be administering this year.

2 mins

Imagine buying groceries with cryptocurrencies!

In the year 2000, Blizzard Entertainment released Diablo II.

3 mins

PHINMA profit drops 66%

El Rosario-led PHINMA Corp. reported a 66-percent drop in attributable net income to P279.55 million last year, from the restated 2023 profit of P831.27 million, due to high expenses and losses of its property business.

1 min

Deluxe chocolate pairings

Italian and Filipino flavors shine with Venchi’s recent collab with M Dining + Bar M

1 min

DTI’s National Food Fair kicks off a feast of flavors

Food, glorious food

1 min

PH ‘business as usual’ amid 90-day ‘lrump tariff pause

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque said the Philippines is “business as usual” as it awaits potential changes once the 90-day temporary suspension on reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States (US) on all foreign-source goods is lifted.

1 min

Transmission rates increase in March

Consumers will experience a slight uptick in April’s electricity bills due to higher transmission charges, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) announced.

1 min

Maymay opens up about family crisis

For the first time in a long while, Kapamilya star Maymay Entrata revealed a side of herself that fans rarely see. After two years, she found the courage to publicly share her mother and grandmother's health crisis.

4 mins

'A Minecraft Movie' tops US box office again

After just two weeks in theaters, “A Minecraft Movie” is already the highest grossing Hollywood release of 2025.

2 mins

GMA Network radio stations lead in Mega Manila ratings

GMA Net-work's flagship radio stations, Super Radyo DZBB 594 kHz and Barangay LS 97.1 Forever!, further strengthened their dominance in Mega Manila for March 2025, based on data from Nielsen Radio Audience Measurement (RAM).

1 min

Your ultimate guide to effective fasting

Is it really that difficult to fast?

4 mins

How non-invasive skincare benefits your body in the long run

Ulthera Prime is the future of skincare no matter your age

2 mins

This Holy Week, rest instead of going on vacation

Why rest is the ultimate form of healing

4 mins

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