Manila Bulletin - May 15, 2025

In this issue

No partial proclamation of winning senators; EU observers: Vote-buying endemic, well-entrenched
Palace welcomes legitimate opposition
Newly elected local execs urged to support P20 rice program

Charges may be filed vs persons linked to sand dumping in WPS

Persons involved in dredging sand from the country's coastlines and then dumping them in reclamation projects in the West Philippine Sea may face charges for violating two laws-the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and Philippine Mining Act, Malacañang said.

1 min

Newly elected local execs urged to support P20 rice program

Malacañang has called on newly elected local officials to support the continued implementation of President Marcos' “Benteng Bigas Meron Na” program, as P20 per kilo rice becomes available in more Kadiwa centers nationwide.

1 min

Palace welcomes legitimate opposition

The Marcos administration remains confident in its mandate following the midterm elections, emphasizing that while legitimate opposition is welcome, those working solely to derail government efforts will be dealt with accordingly, Malacañang said.

1 min

No partial proclamation of winning senators

EU observers: Vote-buying endemic, well-entrenched

5 mins

Upsets galore in House races

Upset victories and unexpected outcomes in the race for seats in the House of Representatives make Philippine elections the gripping political theater that it is.

2 mins

Rapper arrested for loose guns

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested rapper Rovi, popularly known as “Slick One,” a former member of the local singing group Breezy Boys, for allegedly selling loose firearms in a buy-bust operation in Malabon City.

1 min

NBI nets P54-M fake products

More than P54-million worth of alleged counterfeit products bearing known brands have been seized by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) during operations in three Metro Manila cities.

1 min

Rainy season yet to begin - PAGASA

Despite the rain showers and thunderstorms over the past few days, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Wednesday, May 14, clarified that the official rainy season has not yet begun.

1 min

Philippine gov't reminds Pyongyang to cease ballistic missile testing

The Philippines asked North Korea to promptly cease its reported ballistic missile launch and abide by its international obligations.

1 min

Marcos orders DOTr to study proposed higher insurance for private cars in mishaps

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to study the proposal to increase the insurance payment coverage for private motor vehicles in cases of road crash involving PUVs.

1 min

PH's youngest mayor elected

Jamila Ruma, 21, daughter of slain Mayor Joel Ruma of Rizal town, this province, was elected the youngest mayor of this province and the country.

1 min

Leandro Leviste tops Eric Buhain in Batangas

Leandro Legarda Leviste registered a historic landslide victory as Batangas first district representative in the 2025 elections.

1 min

Baricuatro upsets Garcia in Cebu

Pamela Baricuatro pulled off a big upset by defeating incumbent Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia who faltered to seek a third and final term.

2 mins

The day after

So we have 12 new and not-so-new senators. Plus a roster of both new and repeat congresspersons, mayors, vice mayors, and councilors. Congratulations and my sympathies to you all!

1 min

No slave is greater than his master

The international bestseller Tortured for Christ has inspired many to pray for the missionaries who go out of their way to witness to their faith in Christ “in season and out of season.”

3 mins

Celebrating the pillar of society on International Day of Families

Each year on May 15, the world comes together to celebrate the International Day of Families—a moment not just for global awareness but for nations to reflect on the enduring strength of familial bonds.

2 mins

Waking at dawn to vote because we believe in democracy

I only wake at dawn for early morning flights or road trips.

3 mins

In one Indian city, reflective paint and bus stop sprinklers offer relief from killer heat

For 20-year-old Mayank Yadav, riding a crowded bus in the summer months in this western Indian city can be like sitting in an oven. That makes it a treat when he steps off and into a bus stop outfitted with sprinklers that bathe overheated commuters in a cooling mist.

3 mins

Demystifying and humanizing Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV is the sixth pope I have known throughout my life. Thanks to social media, and to his being the first American Pope, he could well become the most well-known Pope of the modern era. Social media posts on the new Pope have proliferated on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, giving the world a vivid view of his daily activities.

4 mins

Mayor Vico on calls for him to run for higher office: Wala po akong balak

Reelected Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto said he has no plan to run for higher office following his landslide victory against his rivals in the recently concluded May midterm elections.

1 min

Let's talk, Nancy Binay tells Mayor Lani over EMBO facilities row

Makati City mayor-elect Nancy Binay said she is open to discussions with Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano regarding the issues between the two cities, particularly concerning the ten EMBO (Enlisted Men's Barrio) barangays.

1 min

Netanyahu says there is 'no way' Israel halts the war in Gaza until Hamas is defeated

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says there is \"no way\" Israel will halt its war in Gaza — where airstrikes on two hospitals Tuesday killed at least eight and wounded dozens — even if a deal is reached to release more hostages.

1 min

Pope Leo XIV is back on social media, with a message of peace

Pope Leo XIV has taken over the Vatican's official social media handles, with a first Instagram post on Tuesday repeating the first words he said to the world as pope: “Peace be with you all!”

1 min

Trump lays out Mideast vision as he looks to revamp US approach in Iran, Syria and beyond

President Donald Trump on Tuesday held out Saudi Arabia as a model for a reimagined Middle East, using the first major foreign trip of his term to emphasize the promise of economic prosperity over instability in a region reeling from multiple wars.

2 mins

DA to suspend MSRP on pork amid low compliance

The maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) on pork, implemented to lower retail pork prices, will be temporarily lifted by the Department of Agriculture (DA) as the agency seeks to revise the policy to crack down on low compliance.

2 mins

Eala, Gauff advance to QF

Alex Eala and Coco Gauff continued to flex their might at the 2025 Italian Open after routing their Italian rivals to advance to the quarterfinals Tuesday night, May 13.

1 min

Bulldogs force sudden death

NU stays alive, nips FEU in five-set thriller

1 min

Pacers eliminate top-seeded Cavs

Indiana coach Rick Carlisle put it best in summing up his team’s finishing punch in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

1 min

Belen crowned MVP anew; Nitura is ROY

National University's Bella Belen was crowned the best individual women's volleyball performer for the third time in UAAP Season 87 on Wednesday, May 14.

1 min

Emperador ramps up global biz expansion

After recent declines in earnings, Emperador Inc. of tycoon Andrew Tan ended the first quarter of 2025 on a high note, with net income improving by 6.5 percent to P1.85 billion as it ramps up its global expansion over the next five years.

2 mins

Economic reforms seen to continue

Economic reforms are expected to proceed, even as the political noise amplified by the midterm election results that \"weakened\" the Marcos administration's hold on power may hamper efforts to enhance public-sector effectiveness, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).

3 mins

BTr to offer RTBs, GBonds in 2025

The issuance of GBonds, a variant of retail treasury bonds (RTBs), through e-wallet GCash by the national government has been postponed from December last year to the second half of 2025.

1 min

Lower electricity bills in May as rates fall

Consumers will experience lower electricity bills in May, brought by lower transmission and ancillary service (AS) rates, according to National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

2 mins

LT Group posts best-ever Q1

Taipan Lucio Tan’s holding company LT Group Inc. (LTG) reported its best first-quarter performance since its follow-on public offering in 2013, on the back of higher earnings contributions from its banking, tobacco, beverages, and real estate units.

2 mins

Solaire North boosts Bloomberry gaming revenue

The table has turned for billionaire Enrique K. Razon’s integrated gaming resorts owner and operator Bloomberry Resorts Corp., as gains from Solaire North have put it back on a growth trajectory even before the launch of its new online gaming platform.

1 min

DMCI Holdings profit drops

DMCI Holdings Inc. of the Consunji family reported strong growth in its residential, mining, and water businesses in the first quarter of 2025, but this was offset by its coal, construction, and cement units.

2 mins

Curious collections

Discovering the many niche museums in the Philippines

2 mins

A museum is always part of my travel itinerary

A visit to at least one museum is always part of my travel itinerary, even if that’s only for a road trip to the north, south, or to a neighboring island. Especially if we are traveling to a foreign city for the first time, a museum stopover is a must. For me, it’s the “brochure” that completes the story of the place, and leaves us with much more appreciation for the city.

3 mins

Laurel demands project results

Officials of the Department of Agriculture (DA) are urged to fast-track the implementation of its high-profile projects, such as the P20-per-kilo rice program, to meet the expectations earlier set by Congress, according to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel.

1 min

Manila Bulletin welcomes Binibining Pilipinas '25 bets

Thirty-five lovely candidates of the Binibining Pilipinas 2025 beauty pageant spread cheer on May 6 as they visited the Manila Bulletin main office in Intramuros.

3 mins

Catwalk Philippines returns after three years

Catwalk Philippines is set to return to the runway in 2025 with the staging of its fourth edition.

2 mins

Sean 'Diddy' Combs' ex-girlfriend Cassie testifies at his trial about abuse and 'freak offs'

Cassie, the R&B singer and former girlfriend of Sean “Diddy” Combs, testified Tuesday that the mercurial music mogul — powerful, abusive and controlling — beat her mercilessly and ordered her to have “disgusting” sex with strangers during drug-fueled, multi-day marathons he called “freak offs.”

2 mins

Still spellbound by Siargao

From sunrise landings to sunset toasts, the island continues to cast its spell

3 mins

Palawan listed as world's best island to visit in 2025

How the country's 'last frontier' continues to stand out

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!