Manila Bulletin - May 8, 2025

In this issue

Palace to voters: Reject fake news; PNP stepping up drive against vote-buying
ICC denies Duterte camp’s appeal to remove two judges
Over 1 million jobs lost in March as agri, gov’t sectors shrink

ICC denies Duterte camp's appeal to remove two judges

The Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court (ICC) dismissed the appeal of former president Rodrigo Duterte's defense team to excuse two judges from ruling on the jurisdiction issue of his case.

1 min

Over 1 million jobs lost in March as agri, gov't sectors shrink

A drop in employment was recorded in the country in March this year, with the total number of employed individuals falling by 1.13 million to 48.02 million from 49.15 million the previous year, a decline the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) attributed to job losses in the government sector, influenced by the election hiring ban, and the agriculture sector.

3 mins

Palace to voters: Reject fake news

PNP stepping up drive against vote-buying

4 mins

DOTr reopens consolidation process for PUVs

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has reopened the consolidation process for drivers and operators of public utility vehicles (PUVs) who have yet to join the government's highly contentious Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP).

2 mins

VP Sara maintains she's 'pro-PH, nothing else'

Vice President Sara Duterte denied accusations that she's been siding with China amid tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) involving the disputed territories.

1 min

Grab PH, Move It, COMELEC champion voter education for a stronger, more inclusive democracy

As a committed partner of Filipinos in nation-building, Grab Philippines and local motorcycle taxi platform Move It have partnered with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to launch #RideToVote—a two-phase voter education and empowerment campaign ahead of the May 12 midterm elections.

2 mins

Isko-Chi tandem, Sandovals of Malabon secure INC backing

Manila mayoral bet Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso and his running mate, vice mayoralty candidate Chi Atienza, have been endorsed by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) religious group for the upcoming May mid-term elections.

1 min

2 NAIA crash victims died due to blunt force trauma - aviation police

The two fatalities in the deadly crash at the departure area of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal I on May 4, died due to blunt force trauma, according to the report of the Philippine National PoliceAviation Security Group (Avsegroup).

1 min

'Culture' unites

One day before “all roads lead to Rome” for the conclave of cardinals to choose the next pope, friends of Imelda R. Marcos from way back were invited to commemorate the 71st anniversary of her betrothal to Ferdinand E. Marcos last Tuesday, May 6.

1 min

They shall all be taught by God

In this first part of the discourse on the Bread of Life, Jesus reveals the substance of his word and teaching as nourishment for life.

3 mins

Two accidents, one nation's wake-up call

Two tragedies, three days apart — and happening in places that should have been safe.

3 mins

Twin May disasters 'should never have happened'

On Thursday, May 1, 10 persons, including four children, were killed and more than 37 others were injured in a multiple-vehicle collision at the SCTEX Tarlac City toll plaza.

4 mins

UNAIDS to slash workforce by more than half as funding by US and other big donors disappears

The UN agency that fights HIV plans to slash its workforce by more than half and move many posts to cheaper locations as a result of drastic funding cuts from longtime donors in the United States, Asia and Europe, the agency and staffers told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

1 min

Baguio police, Comelec ready for May 12

Police anticipate a peaceful midterm polls here and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) assured that all its personnel are ready for May 12.

2 mins

Abra polling center catches fire

A voting center caught fire in Bangued, Abra before dawn on Wednesday.

1 min

Cops bag P42-M smuggled cigarettes

The Philippine National Police confiscated smuggled cigarettes valued at P42 million and arrested 10 individuals in four separate operations in Luzon and Mindanao.

1 min

Mandanas, Cacdac visit wake of young NAIA crash victim

Hermilando Mandanas and wife Atty. Angelica Chua-Mandanas visited on Tuesday, May 6, the wake of Malia Kates Yuchen Masongsong, the four-year-old girl who was killed in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport crash involving a Sports Utility Vehicle on Sunday.

1 min

Marcos orders probe on dumping of PH sand in WPS reclamation sites

President Marcos has ordered an investigation on the report that sand from the Philippines’ coastal areas are used for some reclamation operations in the West Philippine Sea.

2 mins

Balangauan shines

Tashanah Balangauan made a statement in her ICTSI Junior PGT Championship debut by capturing the girls' 15-18 division crown with a commanding seven-stroke victory over Crista Miñoza in the kickoff leg of the seven-stage Visayas-Mindanao Series at the Mactan Island Golf Course.

1 min

Warriors take Game 1

Hield, Green deliver in series opener; Pacers up 2-0

2 mins

Tenorio set for coaching debut

Newly minted Gilas Pilipinas youth team head coach LA Tenorio is set for his debut in the FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers in San Fernando, Pampanga on May 24 to 30.

1 min

PH chessers eye World Cup slots

Grandmaster Daniel Quizon and Woman GM Janelle Mae Frayna spearhead a crack Philippine team eyeing FIDE World Cup slots as they see action in the Asian Individual Open and Women's Championships that unfurled Wednesday, May 7, in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.

1 min

Bulldogs too strong for Golden Spikers

National University struck back at University of Santo Tomas, 25-23, 25-23, 25-23, to barge into the finals of the UAAP Season 87 men's volleyball at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday afternoon, May 7.

1 min

Agri growth bodes well for Q1 GDP

The value of the country's agriculture and fisheries output recovered in the first quarter of the year, driven by higher production in nearly all subsectors, signaling the sector's steady recovery from the impact of severe weather disturbances last year.

2 mins

PH debt climbs to record ₱16.7 trillion

The national government's debt reached a new record high of P16.68 trillion as of end-March 2025, bloating by 0.31 percent from P16.63 trillion in the previous month, according to the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr).

2 mins

Provincial push boosts Megaworld

Tycoon Andrew Tan’s township developer Megaworld Corp. reported a 16-percent growth in net income to P5.83 billion in the first quarter of the year, as its growing focus on the provinces helped the performance of all of its core businesses.

1 min

Strong consumer spending lifts SMIC earnings

SM Investments Corp. (SMIC), the flagship of the Sy family, posted a nine-percent growth in consolidated net income to P20.1 billion in the first quarter of 2025, from P18.4 billion in the same period last year, as rising consumer confidence translated to higher revenues.

2 mins

In her embrace

This Mother’s Day is the first I will spend without my mother, Erlinda Robes Ilagan—and the weight of her absence is something I carry quietly, heavily.

3 mins

The quiet strength of my mother

When my mother turned 80 last December, I was struck by the extraordinary nature of her journey. Not in a loud, headline-making way, but in a quiet, enduring manner that reflects her resilience, grace, and a profound understanding of living life on her own terms.

3 mins

Finally shining on her own

My mom, the world-renowned parchment craft artist

3 mins

My mom: Tough love, soft heart

I have been writing non-stop for almost 10 years. This is my first on my mom.

2 mins

Trump's tariffs worry D&L

D&L Industries Inc., the country’s top specialty food ingredients and oleochemicals producer, remains optimistic that the surge in its exports will continue to be a key growth driver, although it is exercising caution due to the uncertainties surrounding the United States’ (US) tariff policies.

1 min

Pageant king wants to become an actor

Even if he was already getting some income-generating gigs, Justin Dela Cruz decided to prioritize his studies. (di naman daw sya suplado!) He finished his financial management course in college. (mahilig sa budget?!)

1 min

Toto surprises Filipino fans with Arnel Pineda

After 17 years, the legendary rock band Toto knows how to deliver a comeback concert for their Filipino fans, which was held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on May 4.

1 min

Thrifty ways to plan your next getaway

Visit summer destinations on a budget with offers from the Grand Travel Fair in Clark this weekend

2 mins

Have you ever dreamed of being a pilot?

Emirates commits to hiring 1,500 aviators on World Pilot Day

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!