Manila Bulletin - April 27, 2025

In this issue

Farewell, Pope Francis
DFA says Japan PM’s visit symbol of strong ties; Marcos, Ishiba to discuss maritime security
Lacuna, Quimbos face vote-buying, abuse of state resources allegations

CEU names Concepcion as President; Padolina is President Emeritus

The Centro Escolar University has announced the appointment of lawyer and educator Danilo \"DaniCon\" Lardizabal Concepcion as its new President and Chief Academic Officer.

2 mins

FAREWELL, POPE FRANCIS

World leaders and Catholic faithful bade farewell to Pope Francis in a funeral Saturday reflecting his priorities as pope and wishes as pastor.

4 mins

Lacuna, Quimbos face vote-buying, abuse of state resources allegations

Two high-profile politicians—Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan and Marikina Rep. Stella Quimbo—have been asked by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to explain allegations of vote buying and abuse of state resources for the upcoming May midterm elections.

2 mins

DFA says Japan PM's visit symbol of strong ties; Marcos, Ishiba to discuss maritime security

President Marcos and Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru are scheduled to discuss regional maritime security during the Japanese leader's visit to the country next week, underscoring the strength of the two countries' ties as strategic partners, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo said.

2 mins

Antipolo bakery massacre case solved - Rizal police

The Antipolo bakery massacre is now considered solved following the arrest and filing of charges against the suspect who killed seven bakery workers, including two minors, on April 22, Rizal Police Provincial Office (Rizal PPO) director Col. Felipe Maraggun said on Saturday, April 26.

1 min

Remote work visa to elevate PH’s standing as top Asian hub — DOT

The Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) is set to strengthen the Philippines' position as a premier destination for remote workers in Asia by attracting global digital professionals, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina-Frasco said on Saturday, April 26.

2 mins

Emulate Camiguin model on ₱20-per-kilo rice initiative, LGUs told

House Speaker Martin Romualdez has asked local government units (LGU) all over the country to study the model implemented by Camiguin, which has successfully implemented P20-per-kilo rice initiative

1 min

Luigi Mangione pleads not guilty

Luigi Mangione pleaded not guilty Friday to a federal murder charge in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

2 mins

North Korea unveils new naval destroyer

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has unveiled a new naval destroyer, claiming it as a significant advancement toward his goal of expanding the operational range and preemptive strike capabilities of his nuclear-armed military, state media said Saturday.

1 min

Ex-US solon meted 7 years for fraud

Disgraced former US Rep. George Santos was sentenced Friday to over seven years in prison, sobbing as he learned his punishment for the crimes that led to his expulsion from Congress.

1 min

Talks between Iran, US over Tehran's nuclear program to return to Oman

Negotiations between Iran and the United States over Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear program will return on Saturday to the secluded sultanate of Oman, where experts on both sides will start hammering out the technical details of a possible deal.

3 mins

Milwaukee judge accused of helping man evade immigration authorities nabbed

MILWAUKEE (AP) - The Federal Bureau of Investigation on Friday arrested a Milwaukee judge accused of helping a man evade immigration authorities, escalating a clash between the Trump administration and local authorities over the Republican president’s sweeping immigration crackdown.

1 min

Jesus is not a zombie

Many people who do not believe in the resurrection dismiss Jesus as some kind of zombie. The word \"zombie\" originates from West Africa and was carried to the Caribbean through the transatlantic slave trade. In folklore, zombies are thought to be corpses reanimated by curses, viruses, or dark magic. Stripped of their humanity, they lack consciousness, will, or moral compass, spreading death and destruction through their violent aggression.

2 mins

Appearance to the disciples

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.

3 mins

Suspending licenses: A bold strike vs bad drivers on our roads

Early this week, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) suspended the driver’s license of each of the 671 erring motorists and summoned over 1,100 motor vehicle owners who failed to properly maintain their vehicles during the random roadworthiness inspections across the country.

2 mins

Manifesting universal healthcare

Our second ever Manila Bulletin Sustainability Focus Session happens this week, on April 30, at the University of Santo Tomas. If you recall, we began the Manila Bulletin Sustainability Forum back in 2022, have had three successful iterations since then; and thought to extend the \"brand\" via these Focus Sessions.

3 mins

In memory of Pope Francis

As our modest way of honoring the memory of Pope Francis, we are reprinting part of our column dated March 17, 2021, 'Pope Francis' journey in Iraq; the 1990 earthquake in Pangasinan and pioneering in the Middle East':

2 mins

Coming home to yourself: Love, boundaries, and the power of women

In the Philippines, love is often seen as an all-consuming, all-sacrificing force—a value woven tightly into our cultural and religious fabric.

2 mins

Pope's burial place reflects his 'humble, essential' life

Pope Francis chose his place of burial in St. Mary Major Basilica, near an icon of the Madonna that he revered, because it reflects his \"humble, simple and essential\" life, the archbishop who administers the basilica said Friday.

2 mins

41 hurt in La Union bus crash

The provincial government pledged assistance to all victims of a bus accident on Thursday, April 24, in Burgos, La Union.

1 min

Off-duty cop shoots robber dead

CAMP OLIVAS, City of San Fernando, Pampanga — A robbery suspect was killed by an off-duty police officer in Malinoville Subdivision, Barangay Malino, Mexico, Pampanga on Friday.

1 min

Cotabato logs first monkeypox case

The Integrated Provincial Health Office of Cotabato province has urged the public to remain calm and vigilant after the first case of monkeypox was confirmed in the town of Tulunan on April 25.

1 min

Espinosa files frustrated murder cases vs 7 cops

\"Kerwin\" Espinosa has filed frustrated murder charges against seven Ormoc City policemen allegedly involved in the recent attempt at his life.

1 min

Non-appearance of ex-mayor in arraignment scored

A blatant disrespect of the law. This was how a mayoral candidate in Palompon town, Leyte province described the non-appearance of the municipality’s former mayor who was supposed to be arraigned for two criminal charges filed against him.

1 min

'Pay IT Forward' initiative brings tech access to Marawi students

In a landmark move to bridge the digital divide and foster inclusive education, the war-torn city of Marawi is poised to become the next beneficiary of the \"Pay IT Forward: A Digital Transformation Advocacy,\" a joint effort by public and private institutions to empower students through technology.

2 mins

Farewell, Pope Francis

Some 200,000 people flocked to the funeral, held on a brilliant spring day that was supposed to have been a special Holy Year celebration for adolescents. Perhaps because so many young people were on hand, the somber ceremony still had a festive mood, with mourners taking selfies amid the hymns as Francis' simple coffin was brought out of St. Peter's Basilica at the start of the Mass.

3 mins

CEU names Concepcion as President; Padolina is President Emeritus

Concepcion, the 21st president of the University of the Philippines, brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge to steer the university into even greater heights.

2 mins

Rising stars wage war at Splendido

A competitive field of rising stars is all set for the ICTSI Splendido Taal Junior PGT Championship, which gets going Monday, April 28, in Laurel, Batangas, with multiple storylines adding intrigue to the third leg of the seven-stage Luzon series.

1 min

Cajucom steals show

Marikina native fastest in Vigan-San Juan Stage 3

2 mins

E-Painters eye second straight win

Rain or Shine aims to sustain its winning ways when it tackles defending champion Meralco in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, Sunday, April 27.

1 min

Before the first brick: Why SMDC's Parkville is redefining the lot-buying experience

Most residential developments sell a promise: \"Imagine what life could look like once your home is built.\" But what if a community could give you that feeling—of space, of grounding, of belonging—before the first wall goes up?

2 mins

JPMorgan Chase unveils second strategic site in Manila

JPMorgan Chase, a leading global financial services firm, formally inaugurated its second site of operation in Uptown Bonifacio on April 23, 2025. Designed as a full co-location site, the JPMorgan Chase Center is close in proximity to the JPMorgan Chase & Co Tower that opened in 2022.

2 mins

Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates pushes for industrial competitiveness

At the 1st Industrial Summit, the company leads in shaping a future-ready industrial economy

4 mins

Clark: A region on the rise

How Clark Freeport Zone is redefining upscale living

2 mins

Clingy much

It is but natural for new couples these days to be showy with their affection for each other.

2 mins

Billy Idol on new docu, album

When Billy Idol first entered American consciousness in the early '80s, leather-clad and bleached hair in tow, he not only brought a punk rock sound to the mainstream.

2 mins

'Andor' returns to Disney

\"Andor\" returns for its second season on Disney+ with a three-episode premiere and the weight of the \"Star Wars\" galaxy seemingly on its shoulders.

3 mins

The shepherd has gone home

How the humble Pope Francis left us the gift of love, acceptance, and simplicity

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!