Manila Bulletin - April 20, 2025

In this issue

China pushes for free trade

Fuel price increases loom after Holy Week respite

Following the Easter weekend—a time that lifts spir-its for many—fuel prices might rise, too, next week.

1 min

ICC gives prosecution in Duterte trial until July 1 to submit all evidence

The International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber 1 has ordered the prosecution to complete the disclosure of evidence on the crimes against humanity case of former president Rodrigo Duterte not later than July 1.

1 min

School Year 2025-2026 opens June 16 – DepEd

The Department of Education (DepEd) has officially set June 16, 2025 as the start of classes for School Year (SY) 2025-2026, marking a return to the pre-pandemic academic calendar.

2 mins

China pushes for free trade

Dialogue with US on tariff issue remains open

2 mins

2 more dead recovered from capsized sand dredger

Two more crew members were found dead from the capsized sand carrier MV Hong Hai 16 in Rizal, Occidental Mindoro on Good Friday, April 18, bringing the death toll to six.

1 min

Scorching heat posing risks for 26 M students on vacation, expert warns

With more than 26 million students now on school break, a child expert is raising concerns over the dangers of extreme heat-especially for children who spend long hours outdoors or in homes without proper cooling.

1 min

DOH says Davao fatality not due to Mpox Clade II

THE Department of Health (DOH) on Friday, April 18, assured the public that the Mpox cases reported by the Davao City Health Office (Davao CHO) are of the Clade II variant of the MPX virus, and that there is no increased danger to the public.

1 min

SC Justice Singh elected president of Int’l Association of Women Judges

Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Maria Filomena D. Singh has been unanimously elected as the next president of the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ) for the 2027-2029 term during its biennial conference held last this month in Cape Town, South Africa.

1 min

The empty tomb

On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb.

3 mins

Easter hope and joy

I welcome Easter Sunday with a heart full of hope, joy, and spiritual renewal. Having fulfilled my Holy Week promises, chiefly through acts of penance and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, I feel like a prisoner who has been granted an undeserved pardon. Despite the grave mistakes and sins I have committed, God offers me the opportunity to start anew no questions asked, no blame, and no threat of condemnation only pure, unconditional mercy and forgiveness.

2 mins

Easter Sunday: The triumph of life and hope

Christ is risen! Alleluia! Churches around the world ring with this greeting today, Easter Sunday. This shared proclamation binds communities across generations and continents in a common hope.

2 mins

South Korean fugitive arrested in Pampanga

South Korean fugitive, who is wanted in his country for allegedly leading a voice phishing syndicate, has been apprehended by operatives of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in Pampanga.

1 min

Angkasangga nears top 20 in party-list poll

Angkasangga Party-list is making headway in its campaign less with than a month to go before the 2025 mid-term elections, based on the results of the latest OCTA Research survey.

1 min

Local bets may still sign gov't papers, but within Comelec limits - DILG

Incumbent local officials running for another elective post may still sign government documents except in records covered by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) election ban, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said.

1 min

A time to heal, a time to hope

Today, as Christendom celebrates the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, we are once again reminded that hope triumphs over despair, light over darkness, and peace over conflict.

2 mins

The united state of Philippine snacking

“Snack Mindfully” is the mission-vision rally cry of Mondelēz International in the Philippines. The food company, known for such brands as Oreo cookies, Eden cheese, Cadbury Dairy Milk, Tang, Toblerone, Tiger energy biscuits, and Cheez Whiz, has been creating a snacking heritage in this country for 62 years. Globally, it operates in over 150 countries, and is listed on the Nasdaq 100, Standard and Poor’s 500, and the Dow Jones Sustainability Index.

3 mins

Toto Malvar: Planting trees, and giving new life to forests

It’s become fashionable to say one has planted a tree. A few can boast to have nurtured a forest. Recently, I met a man who can rightly say he planted a mountain of trees—and gave new life to forests.

4 mins

Gunrunner falls in Isabela buy-bust

Police arrested a notorious 33-year-old alleged illegal firearms dealer in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Alibagu, City of Ilagan, Isabela on Wednesday, April 16.

1 min

Comelec urges voters, candidates in Western Visayas to reflect as polls near

As the Holy Week comes to a close, the Commission on Elections-6 urged voters and candidates to reflect.

1 min

Devout in PH mark Holy Week with flagellations, processions, passion play

KALAYAAN, Laguna — Dozens of penitents whip their backs to atone for their sins during Good Friday rites in the streets of the southern Philippine town of Kalayaan, as Christians across this largely Catholic country commemorate the passion and sufferings of Jesus.

2 mins

JD Vance goes to the Vatican following remarkable papal rebuke over Trump crackdown on migrants

US Vice President JD Vance is meeting with the Vatican No. 2 official, following a remarkable papal rebuke of the Trump administration's crackdown on migrants and Vance's theological justification of it.

1 min

US senator returns from El Salvador trip, says Abrego Garcia case is about far more than one man

WASHINGTON (AP) — The dispute over the wrongful deportation and imprisonment of Kilmar Abrego Garcia \"is not only about one man\" but about Donald Trump's disregard of the American judicial system as well, Sen. Chris Van Hollen said Friday as he returned from a three-day trip to El Salvador to press for the detained man's release.

1 min

Supreme Court blocks, for now, new deportations under 18th century wartime law

The Supreme Court on Saturday blocked, for now, the deportations of any Venezuelans held in northern Texas under an 18th century wartime law.

3 mins

Shooting rampage at Florida State that left 2 dead lasted less than 5 minutes, police say

Students stood in prayer circles and piled balloons, candles, and teddy bears along a sidewalk Friday near Florida State University’s student union, where two people were shot and killed and six others were wounded during a rampage lasting less five minutes.

1 min

Troops recover NPA armaments in Quezon

REAL, Quezon The military recovered a New People's Army (NPA) arms stash after an encounter in Barangay Tanauan, here on Wednesday, April 16.

1 min

DepEd probes Antique principal over graduation rant, removal of togas

LOILO CITY The Department of Education (DepEd) is investigating a high school principal in Antique province for ranting during an April 15 graduation ceremony and ordering the removal of the student's togas.

1 min

38 hurt as overloaded jeepney turns on its side in Iloilo on Black Saturday

Thirty eight people were injured on Black Saturday, April 19, after an overloaded jeep flipped on its side in Miag-ao town, Iloilo province.

1 min

3 drown in Batangas on Good Friday

Three individuals, including a four-year-old boy, drowned on Good Friday in the towns of Bauan, San Nicolas, and Agoncillo in Batangas.

1 min

BI enhances border security, counter terrorism efforts

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) beefed up its border security and counter terrorism efforts by partnering with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) in a three-day visit to Luxembourg's Passenger Information Unit (PIU).

1 min

New title quest for Cool Smashers

Creamline and PLDT begin their respective title quest in the 2025 AVC Women's Champions League on Sunday, April 20, when they tackle separate foes at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

1 min

Belangel, Pegasus stay alive in Last 8

SJ Belangel powered Daegu anew as the KOGAS Pegasus beat Suwon KT Sonicboom, 79-75, to force an extension in their quarterfinal showdown in the Korean Basketball League (KBL) Friday, April 18.

1 min

Thomas restores lead at Hilton Head

Justin Thomas made a pair of birdies on the crusty, breezy back nine at Harbour Town to salvage a 2-under 69 for a two-shot lead Friday, April 18, at the RBC Heritage, his first 36-hole lead in more than four years.

2 mins

Thai, PH teams shine in JGFP Inter-Club meet

Thailand's golf team bagged the 13-18 age bracket championship while teams from the country's provinces took the spotlight in the 12-under category in the Junior Golf Foundation of the Philippines (JGFP) International Inter-Club tournament held recently at the Mimosa Plus Golf Course in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga.

1 min

Cast complete

Grizzlies, Heat topple rivals, advance to playoffs

3 mins

Talion, Anciano renew rivalry

Evonne Talion, fresh off a dramatic comefrom-behind victory over Rafa Anciano in the ICTSI Junior Philippine Golf Tour's kickoff leg at Eagle Ridge, is gearing up for another high-stakes showdown as the tour moves to Sherwood Hills Golf Club in Trece Martires, Cavite.

1 min

Arca bounces back in Bangkok

I.D.E Master Christian Gian Carlo Arca downed Thai International Master Prin Laohawirapap in 56 moves of a Caro-Kann Defense to get back in the title chase after six rounds of the Bangkok Chess Club Open at the Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Hotel in Thailand.

1 min

Sports leaders eye cliff diving in Olympics

Last weekend, over some of the picturesque islands of El Nido, Palawan, seasoned cliff divers French-British Gary Hunt and Australian Rhiannan Iffland shone the brightest by topping the first leg of the 2025 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series.

1 min

Young blood injects energy to Magnolia

Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero is crediting Magnolia's resurgence to the young bloods providing perfect complement to the team's seasoned veterans.

1 min

Wilting laborers, sprouting smugglers: The crisis in the Philippine tobacco industry

Summer's heat could peak at 51 degrees Celsius this afternoon, so Eddie Garabiles, 55, took shelter under the shade of the curing barn he made with coconut leaves, its frame held together by bamboo. He could suffer from heat stroke under the raging midday sun if he insisted on tending to his tobacco farm.

4 mins

Preserving the past: SM Group breathes new life into heritage sites

The SM Group, through the Henry Sy Foundation and SM Foundation, is making inroads in the restoration of cultural landmarks that underscores its commitment beyond financial growth to create lasting social impact.

2 mins

What makes heritage properties stand out

The connection with the past provides unique and memorable experiences for guests

2 mins

Duty first

As followers of any organization, certain responsibilities are expected to be met. For example, attendance in functions is part of a member’s basic duty. By seeing other members, camaraderie can be built and concern for each other can be expressed. Moreover, the organization can check on how the member is doing and extend the necessary guidance or help.

2 mins

Goodbye, Ate Guy

The local film industry is in mourning following the death of Nora Aunor at 71.

2 mins

Keri Hilson returns with new music

The last time Keri Hilson put out an album, Barack Obama was in the second year of his first term as U.S. president, the iPad was released and Instagram was brand new.

3 mins

PGT: Pedro, Hasty, and Leaf earn judges’ nod

A trio going by the name of Pedro Hasty Leaf (PHL for short) earned the “yes” of the judges for their unique rendition of the rap anthem “Mga Kababayan Ko” during the Pilipinas Got Talent (PGT) episode (Season 7, Week 2) on April 6.

2 mins

Meet eight emerging Pinoy content creators to watch out for in 2025

These viral sensations are taking the web by storm and aiming even higher for 2025.

6 mins

The many crucifixions of Tatang Ben

In the past, he recalled, a Catholic priest once blocked the flagellants and penitents during a street procession, demanding they stop.

1 min

Fostering an ‘ausome’ world

Mylo Speech Buddy launches new digital series and teleconsultation platform

2 mins

Reigniting Filipino creativity

What's next? That's the question often asked in the world of design.

2 mins

The many crucifixions of Tatang Ben

It was at 3 p.m. on a nondescript Thursday afternoon when I first met Ruben Enaje, the man renowned for having been crucified 35 times.

4 mins

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