Manila Bulletin - April 22, 2025

In this issue

POPE FRANCIS <br> FIRST LATIN-AMERICAN PONTIFF DIES AT 88

POPE FRANCIS

FIRST LATIN-AMERICAN PONTIFF DIES AT 88

6 mins

Remembering Pope Francis' visit to the Philippines

Pope Francis not only captivated the minds and hearts of millions of Filipinos when he set foot in the Philippines in 2015 but also through the power of his words.

5 mins

Pope Francis, first Latin American pontiff, dies at 88 :

“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,” Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, said in an announcement.

6 mins

VP Sara: Endorsing PDP bets, Villar, Imee means unity for PH

Vice President Sara Duterte defended her endorsement of Senator Imee Marcos and Las Piñas City Rep. Camille Villar for senator in the upcoming May midterm polls, saying that together with her father's Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) bets, they would unite the country.

1 min

Reports of mass deportation of Pinoys in US 'fake news'-envoy

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez on Monday, April 21, denied reports that Filipinos are being sent back to the Philippines amid United States amid President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.

1 min

Go, admin bets lead the way in SWS senatorial survey

Just a month before the May 12 elections, nine candidates from the administration’s senatorial slate Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas are leading the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) voter preference survey conducted from April 11 to 15.

1 min

10 PH destinations nominated in 2025 World Travel Awards

The Philippines has earned nominations for 10 destinations in the 2025 World Travel Awards, underscoring the country's diverse tourism offerings and reinforcing its rising profile on the global stage, the Department of Tourism (DOT) disclosed on Monday, Apr. 21.

1 min

PBBM leads political, church officials in mourning death of Pope Francis

President Marcos expressed deep sorrow over Pope Francis's passing, saying the latter was the best Pope in his lifetime.

4 mins

DepEd: Private schools may adopt June 16 school opening

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday, April 21, said private schools that offer basic education may adopt the school opening set for public schools in June.

1 min

SC asked to stop construction of P23-B Davao-Samal bridge

The Supreme Court (SC) was asked on Monday, April 21, to stop the construction of the P23 billion Samal Island-Davao City (SIDC) Connector project for alleged violation of the citizens' right to a balanced and healthful ecology.

2 mins

Fish kill recorded in Taguig

The Taguig City government reported that fish kill was recorded in the Lakeshore part of Laguna Lake.

1 min

Fire hits convenience store in Alabang mall

A fire hit a convenience store inside a mall in Barangay Alabang, Muntinlupa on April 21, causing P400,000 in damages.

1 min

Bulacan cops arrest wanted woman for illegal recruitment, human trafficking

A woman wanted for human trafficking and large-scale illegal recruitment was arrested by operatives of the Bulacan Police Provincial Office (PPO) and Central Luzon police while lighting a candle inside a church in Bulacan on Black Saturday, April 19.

1 min

US airstrikes killed 12 people in Yemen's capital

U.S. airstrikes targeting Yemen’s capital killed 12 people and wounded 30 others, the Houthi rebels said early Monday.

1 min

Zelenskyy says Russia is trying to create an 'impression of a ceasefire' as attacks continue

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia on Sunday of creating a false appearance of honoring an Easter ceasefire, saying Moscow continued to launch attacks after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a unilateral temporary truce.

2 mins

I have seen the Lord

John’s Gospel presents Mary Magdalene as the one to have first seen the risen Christ.

2 mins

Easter is also a time to help the hungry and needy

The celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the crown jewel of the Christian liturgical calendar. It is on Easter that the message of renewed hope, of life conquering death, reverberates more profoundly.

3 mins

Trust as the bedrock of journalism: Manila Bulletin's commitment

In a recently released opinion poll conducted by Tangere, the Manila Bulletin emerged as the most trusted broadsheet newspaper in the Philippines, garnering a trust rating of 39 percent. At a time when misinformation and disinformation continue to spread rapidly on social media platforms, this affirmation of public trust is more than just a commendation—it is a reaffirmation of journalism's vital role in our democracy.

2 mins

A crucial election

The coming May elections for local chief executives are going to be an important one. This is because we will choose leaders who will oversee more resources as a result of the Garcia-Mandanas ruling of the Supreme Court in 2018.

2 mins

Kamote drivers

In a recent interview before the Holy Week rush, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has advised all travelers to stay safe on the road, follow traffic rules, and avoid becoming kamote drivers.

3 mins

'Spring' cleaning

For the past 20 years or so, we haven't joined the mad rush during Holy Week when people drive or fly out of Metro Manila like lemmings jumping off a cliff.

3 mins

NEUROMAP PH project for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has introduced the Neuroimaging Technologies for Improved Diagnosis and Treatment of Neurological and Neuropsychiatric Conditions in the Philippines (NEUROMAP PH) project. It aims to enhance early detection and treatment of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, through innovative brain imaging technologies.

2 mins

Israeli probe finds 'professional failures' in killings of 15 Palestinian medics

An Israeli investigation into the killings of 15 Palestinian medics last month in Gaza by Israeli forces said Sunday it found a chain of “professional failures” and a deputy commander has been fired.

1 min

Vance arrives in India for a 4-day visit that includes talks with Modi and personal engagements

U.S. Vice President JD Vance arrived in India on Monday for a four-day visit as New Delhi looks to avoid U.S. tariffs, negotiate a bilateral trade deal with Washington and strengthen ties with the Trump administration.

2 mins

PH, US troops hold Balikatan 'full-scale battle' test

Around 17,000 military personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and United States Indo-Pacific Command (Indopacom) will train together for three weeks as part of this year's Balikatan Exercise featuring a \"full-scale battle\" scenario, which was formally launched on Monday, April 21, at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

2 mins

Holy Week in Central Luzon peaceful - Fajardo

The Holy Week across Central Luzon was peaceful, Police Regional Office3 Director Police Brig. Gen. Jean S. Fajardo said.

1 min

Army captures 2 NPA rebels in Isabela clash

Soldiers captured two New People's Army rebels and recovered two M-16 Armalite rifles during an encounter in Barangay Dicamay 2, Jones, Isabela on Easter Sunday.

1 min

Ship runs aground in Bohol; 506 passengers rescued

A potential grim maritime accident was averted during the Holy Week thanks to the quick response of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel who rescued 506 passengers from a passenger ship that ran aground off Jagna Port in Bohol.

1 min

NCIP official gunned down in Basilan

An official of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples was shot dead in Isabela City, Basilan on Monday, April 21.

1 min

Woman caught with ₱3,400 shabu stashed in pants

A 41-year-old woman was arrested by authorities after she was caught with a sachet of suspected shabu worth P3,400 during a visit to her live-in partner at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) facility in Barangay 2, Victorias City, Negros Occidental on Sunday, April 20.

1 min

Occidental Mindoro governor halts dredging operations after ship sinking

Occidental Mindoro Gov. Eduardo B. Gadiano on Monday, April 21, temporarily stopped sand-dredging operations in the sea of Rizal town after a vessel capsized last April 15 that resulted into the death of at least nine crew members.

1 min

Sarines, Suzuki target repeat wins

Consistency will be Lisa Sarines' key weapon as she aims for a second straight victory in the Luzon Series of the Junior Philippine Golf Tour, which resumes Tuesday, April 22, with the ICTSI Sherwood Hills JPGT Championship in Trece Martires, Cavite.

1 min

Eala-Swiatek rematch looms

Filipina ace begins big test in Madrid; Polish star Iga waits in 2nd round

1 min

Celtics humble Magic

As the Celtics were taking control of their playoff opener against the Orlando Magic, Boston's best player was on his back in pain and tugging at his wrist.

1 min

Cagulangan, Suwon punch semis ticket

JD Cagulangan provided the support, while Heo Hoon delivered the dagger as the Suwon KT Sonicboom escaped the SJ Belangel-led Daegu KOGAS Pegasus, 78-76, to punch their semifinal ticket in the Korean Basketball League (KBL) Sunday, April 20.

1 min

Policy overhaul needed to attract green funds

To advance climate-resilient, sustainable cities in the Philippines, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is urging the government to put in place an integrated and centralized framework that would attract green private investments.

2 mins

March BOP slips to $2-B deficit

The country's financial transactions with the rest of the world registered a deficit in March this year due to the national government meeting its obligations for overseas debts and the central bank's activities in the foreign exchange market.

1 min

Rising costs challenge PH fiscal gains

While the share of the Philippine government's budget deficit and debt to the economy are going down and \"stabilizing,\" respectively, the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) is urging fiscal authorities across the region to remain prudent in spending on public goods and services as a global trade war looms.

2 mins

Reinforcing UHC economic gains

When Republic Act No. 11223 was enacted in February 2019, it was hailed as a landmark achievement in Philippine public health policy. Also known as the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act, the law carried the promise that every Filipino would have equitable access to quality and affordable health services without facing financial hardship. Its vision was ambitious yet it proved to be timely as the nation faced the crisis brought by the pandemic a year later.

2 mins

Fuel price hike hits consumers

Holy Week trips are done, and so are the rollbacks at the gas stations.

1 min

Celebrating Greek National Day and 75 years of Greece-Philippines relations

The Embassy of Greece in Manila, Philippines, treated guests to a glimpse of Hellenic culture during the recent reception of the National Day of Greece held in Fairmont Hotel Makati. Ambassador Ioannis Pediotis, together with his wife Aliki Pappas, led the celebration, which also coincides with the 75 years of diplomatic relations between Greece and the Philippines.

1 min

The Swiss Embassy highlights key priorities and initiatives during media briefing

The Swiss Embassy in the Philippines held its annual Media and Press Evening recently to celebrate and strengthen its ongoing collaboration with members of the media. Held at the Swiss ambassador’s residence, the event gathered journalists, editors, and representatives from various media outlets for an evening of dialogue, appreciation, and forward-looking conversation.

1 min

PDIC sweetens loan settlement

The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC) has enhanced and extended its closed bank loan incentive program (CLIP) in 2025 to enable more borrowers from closed banks to manage their debts and avoid foreclosure.

1 min

RE projects fuel PERC's income

Yuchengco-led PetroEnergy Resources Corporation (PERC) announced an increase in its net income, fueled by increased electricity sales from its renewable energy (RE) ventures.

1 min

Strong loan growth propels BPI's first-quarter profitability

Ayala-led Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) reported a strong first-quarter net income of P16.6 billion, a nine percent increase year-on-year, driven by higher revenues that surpassed increased operating expenses and provisions for losses.

1 min

A rockin' revival

The Wallflowers emerged from the post-alternative rock boom of the 90s. With the cool and enigmatic Jakob Dylan as singer and chief songwriter, the band was responsible for a handful of hits that include “One Headlight,” “6th Avenue Heartbreak,” “3 Marlenas,” “God Don’t Make Lonely Girls,” and “The Difference.”

2 mins

‘Sinners’ tops North American box office

Brand names, not filmmakers or stars, are said to rule the box office these days. But Ryan Coogler's \"Sinners,\" led by twin Michael B. Jordans, proved a bloody exception to modern movie rules, launching with $45.6 million in ticket sales in U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to studio estimates Sunday.

2 mins

GMA Network, CreaZion Studios, Viu PH collaborate on revenge series 'Beauty Empire'

Philippine media giant GMA Network, international film and tv production and distribution company CreaZion Studios, and leading pan-regional over-the-top (OTT) video streaming service Viu are set to deliver the revenge drama series \"Beauty Empire.\"

2 mins

Suit up, but make it super fly

Look sharp, smooth, and suave with these fresh ways to style tailored menswear

2 mins

Luscious locks, anytime, anywhere

Pack light and elevate your style game with Pingo’s portable hair tools

2 mins

Read all stories from Manila Bulletin

Manila Bulletin Newspaper Description:

Manila Bulletin is the Philippines’ Leading Newspaper. Manila Bulletin newspaper delivers latest news coverage on politics, business, economy, technology, and culture. As one of the most trusted newspapers in the Philippines, it provides in-depth analysis, expert opinions, and real-time updates on national and international events. From the latest government policies to financial insights, entertainment, and lifestyle trends, Manila Bulletin keeps you informed and engaged with stories that matter.

Stay ahead with credible journalism and insightful reporting—subscribe today!