Manila Bulletin - April 28, 2025

In this issue

Filipinos feared dead, scores injured in Vancouver; Police arrest SUV driver who plowed into street festival crowd
‘Ship-killer’ NMESIS sees action in Balikatan
Marcos meets Trump, Biden at the Vatican

'Ship-killer' NMESIS sees action in Balikatan

The highly anticipated participation of the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) of the United States Marine Corps (USMC) finally happened in the ongoing Balikatan Exercises as three Chinese vessels were detected in the vicinity waters of Zambales on Saturday, April 26.

2 mins

Filipinos feared dead, scores injured in Vancouver

Police arrest SUV driver who plowed into street festival crowd

3 mins

NDRRMC under 'blue alert' for midterm elections

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) will be placed under “blue alert” status in preparation for the upcoming May 12 midterm elections.

1 min

Marcos meets Trump, Biden at the Vatican

President Marcos got to have short exchanges with United States President Donald Trump and former US president Joseph Biden as they attended Pope Francis' wake at the Vatican on Saturday, April 26.

3 mins

Solo parents get boost from DSWD, DMW

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has reinforced its support for solo parent-headed families through the launch of the Program SOLo, or the Strengthening Opportunities for Lone Parents, an official said on Saturday, April 26.

1 min

No tropical cyclone expected in PH through end of April

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said no tropical cyclones are expected to develop within or enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) for the remainder of April.

1 min

Self-rated poverty rises for 4th consecutive month

Fifty-five percent of Filipino families rated themselves “mahirap” (poor) in April, up by three points from 52 percent in March, based on the Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted from April 11 to 15.

1 min

Marcos shouldered late Nora Aunor's hospital bills - Palace

Malacañang has confirmed that President Marcos covered the hospital expenses of the late National Artist Nora Aunor.

1 min

Man posing as LTO chief nabbed

A 42-year-old man almost raked in millions of pesos from some desperate public utility vehicle (PUV) operators with impounded units for colorum violations by posing as Land Transportation Office (LTO) Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza II.

1 min

Filipinos 'bought, sold, abused' in Cambodia - BI

Filipino trafficking victims, who were forced to work in scam hubs in Cambodia, were found to have been \"sold\" or \"transferred\" to other criminal syndicates, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said on Sunday, April 27.

1 min

Driver's licenses, plates soon to be available for home delivery

License plates and driver's licenses will soon be delivered right at the doorsteps of drivers and motor vehicle owners as the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has succeeded in pilot-testing its digital platform that will pave the way for home delivery service.

2 mins

Trump expresses doubts Putin is willing to end the Ukraine war

President Donald Trump said Saturday that he doubts Russia's Vladimir Putin wants to end his war in Ukraine, expressing new skepticism that a peace deal can be reached soon. Only a day earlier, Trump had said Ukraine and Russia were \" very close to a deal.\"

2 mins

Massive explosion at Iranian port linked to missile fuel shipment; kills 18, injures some 800

A massive explosion and fire rocked a port Saturday in southern Iran purportedly linked to a shipment of a chemical ingredient used to make missile propellant, killing 18 people and injuring around 800 others.

2 mins

A letter written onboard the Titanic before it sank sells for almost $400,000 at auction

A lettercard penned by one of the Titanic's most well-known survivors from onboard the ship, days before it sank, has sold for 300,000 pounds ($399,000) at auction.

1 min

Israeli airstrike kills 10 people, half of them children, as mediators try to restart a ceasefire

An Israeli airstrike flattened a three-story home in Gaza City on Saturday, killing 10 people half of them children - as Arab mediators scrambled to restart a ceasefire.

1 min

Solo parents get tricycle fare discount in Taguig

Solo parents in Taguig have been granted a 20-percent discount in tricycle fare through an ordinance enacted by the city government.

1 min

You must be born from above

Today’s Gospel passage narrates that Nicodemus came to Jesus at night. But why would he come to Jesus at night? Is he afraid that other people might see him and he might be identified with Jesus who, by performing signs, ignites indignation on the part of the authorities? John’s Gospel employs a literary style that uses a word with double meaning. A word with double meaning leads to misunderstanding between characters, commonly between Jesus and another character. The misunderstanding between Jesus and another character serves

1 min

BPI shines bright: Celebrating a record year and steady growth into 2025

The Ayala-led Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) continues to set new benchmarks for success, recently presenting its stockholders with an impressive account of its strong performance throughout 2024 and a promising start to 2025.

2 mins

Listening, walking together: Pope Francis' legacy of synodality

Pope Francis will be remembered not only for his profound humility and compassion but also for a fundamental shift he inspired in the Catholic Church: the revival of synodality. In calling the Church to become a “community that listens,” he reaffirmed a vision of faith that is less about hierarchy and more about journeying together — lay people, clergy, religious, and bishops — discerning the Spirit’s voice through mutual listening and dialogue.

2 mins

Pope Francis’ legacy of peace

As the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, the Filipino people remember and celebrate his teachings, which highlighted the importance of peace, dialogue, and mutual understanding.

3 mins

Against the odds: Why Filipinos must vote

In the Philippines, where elections are often marred by reports of vote-buying, red-tagging, political dynasties, and digital disinformation, many citizens are understandably disheartened.

3 mins

Pope Francis’ ordinary shoes bring pride to his Argentine neighborhood — and his cobbler

The man who would become Pope Francis always bought his shoes in the same small store.

3 mins

5 NPA rebels slain in clashes

Five New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in a series of clashes with government forces in Barangay Tapi, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental on Sunday, April 27.

1 min

Police nab protesting Aetas

Police apprehended several Aetas on April 18 near the Mount Pinatubo crater in Capas, Tarlac for alleged violations of local ordinances and national laws, including obstruction of public passage and unauthorized entry into an environmentally protected area.

1 min

Municipal council bet, 2 pals shot

A candidate for municipal councilor and his two companions were shot and wounded in Barangay Bungad, San Pablo, Isabela on Friday.

1 min

Billones cites Pope Francis as epitome of mercy

Jaro Archbishop Midyphil “Dodong” Billones said Pope Francis was the epitome of mercy.

1 min

₱33-M evacuation center completed

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Friday, April 25, reported the completion of a ₱33-million evacuation center in Carmen, Surigao del Sur.

1 min

Stolen Amorsolo Mango Harvesters painting returned to museum

The Negros Occidental provincial government hailed the return of the Mango Harvesters painting of National Artist Fernando Amorsolo to the Hofileña Museum in Silay City, Negros Occidental.

1 min

Thunder sweep series

SGA, Williams power OKC to second round

2 mins

No stopping Victoria's Ean Cajucom

It seems like Ean Cajucom's decision to pursue cycling instead of becoming an astronaut is finally paying off.

1 min

Young Guico back in JPGT title hunt

AUREL, Batangas - Young Zach Guico looks to regain his winning form as he rejoins the competition, while siblings Ryuji and Shinichi Suzuki seek redemption in their respective divisions as the ICTSI Splendido Taal Junior PGT Championship reels off Monday, April 28, here.

1 min

OECD: Align GOCC pay with private sector

Bringing the compensation levels of employees and executives at government-owned and/or -controlled corporations (GOCCs) at par with their private-sector counterparts would help strengthen good governance and financial prudence at state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in the Philippines, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

1 min

PSAC urges faster gov't digitalization

The Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) urges the Marcos administration to fast-track initiatives integral to the country’s digital transformation, including creating a “Government-as-a-Service” model.

2 mins

MVP-RSA tollway project advances

The joint expressway project of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) and San Miguel Corp. (SMC) in Southern Tagalog is set to begin construction soon, even as merger talks between the tollway giants remain on the backburner.

2 mins

BSP greenlights bigger foreign loans

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) approved $6.29 billion (over P350 billion) in proposed foreign borrowings by the Marcos administration in the first quarter of 2025, more than double last year's figure, as the government frontloaded its debt in a cautious move to navigate volatile global markets and challenges stemming from US protectionist policies.

2 mins

2030 target for Atimonan coal

Manila Electric Co.’s generation arm, Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGen), is targeting to commence electricity supply from its 1,200-megawatt Atimonan coal plant by 2029 or 2030, subject to government approval.

2 mins

GSIS non-life up 18% for 3rd year

State-run Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has exceeded its non-life insurance premium target for the third year in a row, posting nearly 18 percent or P1.6 billion above its goal.

1 min

Ayala Land Estates: Building the South the way the future should be

Southern Luzon has fast become the country’s new convergence zone, with Laguna and Cavite surging ahead as economic powerhouses, this region is emerging as a thriving hub for industries, infrastructure, and modern living.

3 mins

Security threats cloud digital bill

An organization of independent telecommunications companies echoed an earlier warning of telco giants about the supposed national security risks posed by the Konektadong Pinoy bill, signaling the industry’s rising concern over the measure.

1 min

Charter rewrite for BCDA vetoed

President Marcos has vetoed a bill seeking to amend the charter of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), citing concerns that it may conflict with existing laws and adversely impact the government's fiscal position.

1 min

Gov't awards P7.7B project to JFE, First Balfour JV

A joint venture between the Lopez Group’s construction arm, First Balfour Inc., and Japan-based JFE Engineering Corp. will oversee a P7.7-billion project to strengthen the resiliency of two of Metro Manila’s busiest bridges against earthquakes.

1 min

Department of Finance: 128 years of steering the Philippine economy through triumph and turmoil

As the Department of Finance (DOF) marks its 128th anniversary this April, it stands as one of the Philippines' oldest and most consequential government institutions — a silent architect behind the nation's economic resilience, transformation, and aspiration for inclusive growth. This milestone is more than a commemoration of longevity; it is a testament to the enduing relevance of sound fiscal stewardship in nation-building, and a moment to reflect on the DOF's journey, achievements, and the challenges that lie ahead.

3 mins

Filipina mompreneurs embrace digital skills to forge a new path in business

\"Don't be intimidated by what you don't know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure that you do things differently from everyone else.\"

3 mins

Step Juan program aims to cultivate young technopreneurs and students

BO Innovation, in partnership with the US Embassy in the Philippines and American Spaces Philippines, has launched the Step Juan program.

2 mins

TCL at 25: What the anniversary celebration and its new launches mean for Filipino homes

Huge TV screens, cozy sala setups, air conditioners humming softly, refrigerators towering overhead, and sleek, modern washing machines, it felt like walking straight into a stylish yet functional home. This was the warm, comforting energy that greeted guests at the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila last April 11, as TCL marked its 25th anniversary in the Philippines.

3 mins

DOE: PSALM extension vital for PH energy goals

The Department of Energy (DOE) lauded the 10-year extension granted to the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM), a move that will enable the state-run enterprise to fulfill its remaining obligations.

1 min

Lav Diaz to show off acting chops in upcoming thriller

Actress Lovi Poe has revealed that she earnestly prayed for the esteemed Filipino director Lav Diaz, a prominent figure in the film industry known for his unique storytelling style, to lend his talent to the upcoming thriller \"The Sacrifice.\" The film is produced by C'est Lovi Productions, the company she founded.

3 mins

'Spring of Youth' joins band boom in dramas

The youth band romance \"Spring of Youth\" is set to hit the small screen.

1 min

The beauty of flaws

A dive into Filipino visual artist Eugene Cubillo's 10th solo exhibit, 'Imperfections'

2 mins

World-renowned cellist performs Freddie Aguilar's 'Anak'

Stjepan Hauser aims to play one song from every country in the world

1 min

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!