The Philippine Star - April 07, 2025

In this issue

April 07, 2025

17% US tariff harmful to agri sector - group

DA secretary disagrees

3 mins

ICC, not Phl, to shoulder witnesses' expenses — lawyer

Contrary to claims circulating online, it will be the International Criminal Court (ICC), not the Philippine government, that will shoulder the expenses of those who will testify in the ongoing proceedings against former president Rodrigo Duterte, a lawyer said.

2 mins

Cabinet members to attend Imee probe - Chiz

Cabinet members and other government officials who skipped the second Senate investigation on April 3 into the legality of the International Criminal Court arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte, will attend the continuation of the probe on April 10, Senate President Francis Escudero has said.

3 mins

More Celeb-Sounding Names in OVP Fund Recipient Lists

More suspicious and fictional-sounding names — some resembling celebrities and high-profile personalities — have joined the list of recipients of Vice President Sara Duterte's P612.5 million combined confidential funds, House deputy majority leader and La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega V said yesterday.

2 mins

White ribbon campaign for drug war victims launched

Progressive group Bayan Muna and human rights advocates launched the \"White Ribbon: Duterte Panagutin\" campaign yesterday at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani in Quezon City, calling for justice for victims of former president Rodrigo Duterte's drug war campaign.

1 min

House resumes probe on fake news peddlers tomorrow

The tri-comm of the House of Representatives has invited broadcaster Jay Sonza to join other vlogger personalities in its hearing that will resume tomorrow.

2 mins

Deployment of ACMs begins

Close to 10,000 automated counting machines (ACMs) to be used for the May midterm elections have already been deployed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) across the country.

1 min

Gov't urged to fight online abuse of children

A child rights group is urging the government to act with urgency in addressing the widespread online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) in the country after a study presented at the Senate revealed that half a million Filipino children fell victim to abuse and exploitation online in 2022 alone.

1 min

Sara Must Face Senate Impeach Court in Person

It would serve both impeached Vice President Sara Duterte and the public best if she appears in person at her Senate impeachment trial, House prosecutor and Iloilo Rep. Lorenz Defensor said yesterday, warning that her absence could signal she is hiding something or evading accountability.

2 mins

DICT to launch app

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will spearhead an effort at open and transparent governance with an app to provide all the information regarding the country's ICT infrastructure, especially free internet hotspot areas.

2 mins

DepEd Urged: Distribute P7,000 Medical Allowance

Public school teachers are calling on the Department of Education (DepEd) to release the P7,000 annual medical allowance mandated by Executive Order 64 which, apart from increasing the wages of government workers, entitles them to additional allowance.

1 min

Delivery of F-16 jets may start next year - envoy

The F-16 fighter jets that the Philippines plans to acquire from the United States may be available for delivery next year at the earliest, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez said yesterday.

3 mins

NFA: Only 10,000 bags of rice released to LGUs

The National Food Authority over the weekend said that the volume of NFA rice released to local government units (LGUs) under the food security emergency remains low as only 10,000 bags were procured, adding that the procurement of palay from local farmers is hampered by the full capacity of warehouses.

1 min

Phl humanitarian team resumes operations in Myanmar

The Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent (PIAHC) has resumed search and rescue operations for possible survivors at a collapsed hotel in Myanmar.

2 mins

DA Extends Import Deadline for 25,000 MT Frozen Fish

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has extended the deadline for the arrival of 25,000 metric tons (MT) of frozen fish products to June 2025 from the previously approved May 2025.

2 mins

Extreme heat recorded in nine areas

At least nine areas in the country experienced \"danger\" level heat index between 42 and 44 degrees Celsius over the weekend, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

1 min

Lowland jitters, highland grab

CTALK

4 mins

Single mothers

SKETCHES

4 mins

Silencing witnesses

EDITORIAL

2 mins

The 'Trump card'

COMMONSENSE

4 mins

Growth strategies for small entrepreneurs

GO NEGOSYO PILIPINAS

4 mins

The city of stories

QWERTYMAN

4 mins

What to know about the removal of South Korea's president

World view

2 mins

Pasig bet who ridiculed single moms told: Withdraw from election

After using single mothers as the butt of jokes during a campaign sortie, Pasig congressional candidate Christian Sia was asked yesterday to withdraw from the midterm elections in May.

1 min

HPG Probes Motorist Using Fake '8' Plate

A motorist involved in a road rage incident that went viral on social media is being investigated over his use of a vehicle with an alleged fake protocol plate \"8\" for members of the House of Representatives.

1 min

NNIC: No travel advisory for NAIA

The New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) denied yesterday that the US Department of Homeland Security has issued a new travel advisory against the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

1 min

No second chance for corrupt cops — Marbil

Corrupt personnel of the Philippine National Police will not be given second chances, PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said yesterday.

2 mins

Palace to Review Case of Slain Broadcaster

President Marcos' media security task force has vowed to explore possible legal remedies and to assess the proceedings in the case of slain radio broadcaster Juan Jumalon after a local court acquitted three people linked to the crime.

2 mins

Phl, US Hold Firing Drills in Maguindanao

Military and police snipers practiced long-range nighttime target shooting at an Army training school in Datu Odin Sinsuat town on Friday — part of Marine Exercise 2025 that the Philippine and US Marines are jointly facilitating.

1 min

Wage Hike Takes Effect in Bicol Region

At least 100,414 minimum wage employees and domestic workers in Bicol can now enjoy higher earnings after the first tranche of wage increases was implemented on Saturday, according to the National Wages and Productivity Commission.

1 min

Groups Thank Speaker for Project Support

Farmers and irrigators nationwide have conveyed their appreciation to Speaker Martin Romualdez for supporting vital irrigation programs, including solar-powered pump irrigation projects.

1 min

2 Bettors Hit P6.1-M Lotto 6/42 Jackpot

A bettor in Davao de Oro and another in Pagbilao, Quezon will share the P6.1-million lotto 6/42 prize drawn last Saturday.

1 min

US revokes South Sudan visas over failure to repatriate citizens

The US said on Saturday it would revoke all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders over South Sudan's failure to accept the return of its repatriated citizens, at a time when many in Africa fear the country could return to civil war.

1 min

Anti-Trump protests held in cities across US

WASHINGTON (AFP) — Tens of thousands of protesters flooded the streets of major US cities on Saturday to oppose the divisive policies of President Donald Trump, in the largest demonstrations since his return to the White House.

1 min

NoKor's Kim fires new sniper rifle while visiting troops

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has test-fired a newly developed sniper rifle, state media said on Saturday, as he inspected special forces whose training he said bolstered \"actual war capability for guaranteeing victory.\"

1 min

Zelensky Disappointed with US Embassy Reaction to Missile Strike

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday expressed disappointment in the US embassy's response to a Russian missile strike that killed 18 people, including nine children, in Zelensky's hometown of Kryvyi Rih.

1 min

Trump Defiant on Tariffs: 'Hang Tough, It Won't Be Easy'

US President Donald Trump on Saturday doubled down on the sweeping tariffs he unleashed on countries around the world, warning Americans of pain ahead, but promising historic investment and prosperity.

1 min

Tariffs Will Make Almost Everything Americans Wear Cost More

Sending children back to school in new sneakers, jeans and T-shirts is likely to cost US families significantly more this fall if the bespoke tariffs US President Donald Trump put on leading exporters take effect as planned, American industry groups warn.

1 min

Hardy, Ritchie reunite for gritty crime series 'MobLand'

Tom Hardy has collected troves of knowledge and skill throughout his journey as an actor, forming a megastar career.

1 min

Video Shows Last Minutes Before Gaza Aid Workers' Deaths

A video recovered from the cell phone of an aid worker killed in Gaza alongside other rescuers shows their final moments, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent, with clearly marked ambulances and emergency lights flashing as heavy gunfire erupts.

1 min

Houston vs Florida for NCAA title

Sorry guys, \"Phi Slama Jama\" is already taken. How 'bout something simple, like \"Comeback Kids.\" \"National champs\" might be a possibility, too.

1 min

HD Spikers' dynastic reign continues

Three-point thrillers defined the first two games of the Spikers' Turf Open Conference Finals, with Cignal and Criss Cross trading blows to split the series.

1 min

BOLTS ZAP DYIP FOR 2ND WIN

Reigning champion Meralco zapped Terrafirma in historic fashion, 118-80, for its biggest winning margin ever and a 2-0 start in the PBA Philippine Cup yesterday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

3 mins

Junior Golfers Pumped Up for 15-Leg JPGT

Top junior golfers embark on a journey to sharpen their skills and chase glory as the Junior Philippine Golf Tour (JPGT) launches its landmark season tomorrow at the Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club in Gen. Trias, Cavite.

1 min

Laro unifies hoops

It may be not be so surprising that there are thousands of basketball courts just in massive Metro Manila.

2 mins

Dolphins go for kill vs Sealions

Philippine Christian University-Dasmariñas tries to crown itself as the new champion of the PGFlex Linoleum-backed UCAL Season 7 as it goes for the kill versus Olivarez College in Game 2 of their title series today at the Paco Arena in Manila.

1 min

SBP to seek FIBA exceptions?

There is an exception clause in FIBA's eligibility policy where secretary-general Andreas Zagklis has sole authority to allow foreign-born players to suit up for countries as locals despite holding passports issued after turning 16.

1 min

BSP rate cut likely as inflation slows

Economists expect 25-bps cut on Thursday

2 mins

Gov't Borrowings Drop to P340 B

The Marcos government saw its borrowings fall by nearly 50 percent to P340 billion in February even with the issuance of global bonds aimed at plugging the budget gap.

1 min

Cybercrime complaints surge 72% in 3 months

Cybercrime complaints received by the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) jumped by 72 percent in the first quarter from a year ago amid increasing awareness of channels for reporting such activities.

1 min

Stocks Expected To Remain Bearish

Market sentiment is expected to remain bearish this week amid global economic concerns due to the recently unveiled tariff policies of the US.

1 min

Liberation Day becomes Liquidation Day

President Donald Trump's \"Liberation Day\" quickly transformed into what traders are calling \"Liquidation Day\" as US equities markets suffered consecutive meltdowns.

3 mins

PSE Boosting PDS Stake to Over 90%

The Philippine Stock Exchange Inc. (PSE) seeks to boost its ownership in the Philippine Dealing System Holdings Corp. (PDS) to more than 90 percent with the acquisition of an additional 11 percent stake from two shareholders.

2 mins

Trade war

It was showtime last week for Donald Trump's trade extravaganza.

4 mins

BIR adds more medicines to VAT-exempt list

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has issued the updated list of value-added tax (VAT)-exempt medicines for various diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.

1 min

ACEN Pushes for Separate Battery Storage Auction

Ayala-led ACEN Corp. is advocating for a competitive bidding for standalone battery storage projects as the Philippines gears up for the entry of more renewable power capacity into the grid.

2 mins

Manila Water looks inward

Razon-led Manila Water Co. is looking at more onshore investments for expansion even as it continues to keep an eye on offshore opportunities, according to Jose Victor Emmanuel de Dios, president and chief executive officer of Manila Water.

4 mins

March rice stocks fall to one-year low

Despite rising on an annual basis, the country's monthly rice stocks fell to their lowest level in a year as supplies in both commercial entities and households declined, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

1 min

Human verification tool vs cyber threats eyed for launch this year

World, the largest human-centered financial and identity network, is looking to roll out its unique human verification device in the Philippines within this year to help address cyber threats.

2 mins

ALI Raising P15B From Sustainability-Linked Financing

Property giant Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) is returning to its pioneering sustainability-linked financing program with an upcoming plan to raise as much as P15 billion.

1 min

Railway blitz reaches Bataan

Bataan could be the next province that would have its own dedicated railway, as the Department of Transportation (DOTr) sets out to study the feasibility of such a project.

1 min

DOE Unveils Implementing Guidelines for Natural Gas Law

The Department of Energy (DOE) has launched the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for Republic Act 12120, which aims to promote the development of the Philippine natural gas industry.

1 min

McDonald's Phl Gears Up for Aggressive Store Expansion

McDonald's Philippines is gearing up for a more aggressive store expansion, with plans to add 800 stores in its network before its new 20-year franchise term expires.

2 mins

DA Urges BSP to Keep Abaca Fiber in Banknotes

The Department of Agriculture (DA) will ask the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to reconsider any plans to phase out the use of abaca fiber in the country's banknotes for the sake of farmers that depend on the crop.

1 min

Scammers shifting focus to traditional banks

Cyber criminals are shifting their attention back to traditional banks from digital payment platforms as perpetrators continue to exploit what they perceive to be the safest channels for consumers, a cybersecurity official said.

1 min

Living our K-drama lives in Seoul (minus the drama)

The last time I was in Seoul was with my daughter Gabbie in the autumn of 2019, before the pandemic.

4 mins

Sessionistas' Reunion Concert Is A Love Letter To Fans

THE RECENT \"LOVE, Sessionistas' concert, mounted by Ice and Liza Diño-Seguerra's Fire and Ice Entertainment and bankrolled by Fire and Ice Live, serves as a reunion for the Sessionistas, who developed their onstage harmony early on, enduring bond through the years and lasting friendship up to this day.

4 mins

Aicelle Santos reveals what kept her going despite early rejections

Aicelle Santos got candid as she looked back on the beginning of her music career during the \"She Slays: Girl Coded Convention\" recently held at the Concourse, One Ayala.

2 mins

DEDMA: WHEN TITAS LOSE THEIR POISE

One of the lines we'll never forget from gossip past is a socialite's amusing account of a catfight that she witnessed: \"Entonces, un hair pulling incident!,\" describing the denouement of an encounter between a high society wife and the mistress of her husband.

3 mins

THE LOST ART OF THE ALBUM COVER

Growing up off campus in a decade not even your grandkids will remember, there was once a graphic book-bound collection of album covers from diverse rock albums, the likes of which have become a rarity in the age of digital downloads.

3 mins

INTERNATIONAL DANCE DAY FEST IS BACK

Get ready to be touched to the core by some world-class dancing. Dynamic cultural hub Circuit Makati is gearing up for a weeklong festival in honor of International Dance Day (IDD) from April 23 to 27.

4 mins

CHAIRPERSON'S AWARD

MILLION DOLLAR ROUND TABLE

3 mins

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