The Philippine Star - April 11, 2025

In this issue

April 11, 2025

Mercury Drug's Vivian Que Azcona, 69

Vivian Que-Azcona, president of the iconic Filipino pharmacy chain Mercury Drug, has died at the age of 69.

1 min

Creation of jobs still top issue for voters - SWS

Generating more jobs remains a top concern for voters in the May midterm elections, based on a recent Social Weather Stations survey.

2 mins

Comelec on alert vs cyber attacks during Holy Week

Noting that cyber attacks usually occur when people are on vacation or relaxing, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is going on full alert during the Holy Week.

1 min

Trump pauses most tariffs for 90 days

US President Donald Trump delivered another jarring reversal in American trade policy Wednesday, suspending for 90 days import taxes he'd imposed barely 13 hours earlier on dozens of countries while escalating his trade war with China.

4 mins

Mercury

Vivian and her siblings were a mainstay in the Forbes Philippines' 50 Richest list over the past decade.

1 min

DILG to launch infra audit tool

A tool assessing the structural integrity of buildings in anticipation of a 7.2-magnitude earthquake in the Philippines will be launched by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

1 min

BBM: Probing 'polvoron' video up to DOJ, NBI

President Marcos is leaving it up to law enforcement agencies to probe the allegation that former presidential spokesman Harry Roque was behind the spread of a manipulated video that made it appear that Marcos was using cocaine.

1 min

DFA: 2 Pinoys dead in Myanmar quake

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) yesterday confirmed the death of a second Filipino following the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that hit Myanmar last month.

1 min

CHED, PRC align teacher education, board exam

President Marcos yesterday witnessed the signing of a joint memorandum circular that seeks to address the misalignment between the Commission on Higher Education (CHED)'s teacher education curriculum and the board licensure examination for professional teachers administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), a problem that has been linked to low passing rates.

1 min

Latest mission to Ayungin successful - AFP

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has again managed to deliver food and other supplies to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.

3 mins

Comelec probes senatorial candidate for vote buying

A senatorial candidate, along with 36 local candidates, is under investigation for vote buying, the Commission on Elections said.

1 min

'Requiring passports from drug war victims a grave injustice'

Lawyers representing the victims of the bloody drug war have called out the defense team of former president Rodrigo Duterte for their proposal to require IDs or current Philippine passports as identification for those who will participate in the ongoing proceedings at the International Criminal Court.

1 min

No isolated incidents

SKETCHES

4 mins

Lip service vs real medicine

CTALK

4 mins

First do your homework

EDITORIAL

2 mins

Valid donation

This case of Ben is about a donation made in consideration of marriage, or a donation made before its celebration and in favor of one or both of the future spouses, known in law as \"donation propter nuptias.\"

3 mins

Diving deeper into FPRRD's arrest

ROSES & THORNS

4 mins

Fixing weaknesses in the laws

COMMONSENSE

4 mins

Airports on Alert for Holy Week

All 44 airports in the country are on heightened alert for the observance of Holy Week, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) announced yesterday.

1 min

BuCor Revisits Protocols After Inmate's Foiled Rescue

The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) is reviewing its security policies after 11 armed men ambushed authorities to spring a detained Chinese inmate allegedly connected to a kidnapping group.

1 min

Man Electrocuted at Flooding Project

Authorities recovered yesterday a body found floating at a flooding project of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Pasay, possibly killed by electrocution.

1 min

NCR Crimes Down 23%

The number of index crimes in Metro Manila decreased by 23 percent in the first quarter of 2025, according to the National Capital Region Police Office.

1 min

Suspect killed, 4 PDEA agents hurt in shootout

An anti-narcotics operation in Paranaque City ended in a shootout that left a suspected drug dealer dead and four agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) wounded on Wednesday.

1 min

EPD Special Ops Chief Declared AWOL

The sacked commander of the district special operations unit (DSOU) of the Eastern Police District was declared AWOL or absent without official leave yesterday.

1 min

PAL Flight Diverted to Japan Due to Cabin Smoke

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) yesterday ordered flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) to explain why its Los Angeles-bound flight, carrying 359 passengers, made an emergency landing in Haneda, Japan.

1 min

3,056 Illegal Campaign Posters in Manila Removed

Up to 3,056 illegal campaign materials were removed on Wednesday in Manila, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

1 min

Kerwin Espinosa shot while campaigning

Self-confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa was shot along with two others while campaigning in Albuera, Leyte yesterday afternoon.

1 min

2 Kanlaon-hit villages reeling from water shortage

Up to 3,000 households composed of 10,000 to 12,000 people in two barangays in Negros Occidental are experiencing shortage of drinking water following the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano.

1 min

42 Undocumented Foreigners Nabbed in Quezon Resort

Forty-two alleged undocumented foreigners were arrested during a raid on a private resort in Alabat, Quezon on Wednesday morning.

1 min

Easterlies, ITCZ to Bring Hot, Rainy Weather

The country will continue to experience a combination of hot, humid and intermittent rainy weather due to the easterlies and the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

1 min

4 Die in Quezon Motorcycle Mishap

Four people including two minors died when their motorcycle crashed into a tree in this town on Wednesday afternoon.

1 min

Vatican releases photo of Charles, Camilla meeting pope

The Vatican on Thursday published a photograph of Pope Francis meeting King Charles III and his wife Queen Camilla the day before during the British monarch's state visit to Italy.

1 min

Cruise Returns to Cannes with 'Mission: Impossible – Final Reckoning'

Three years after flying into the Cannes Film Festival with \"Top Gun: Maverick,\" Tom Cruise (in photo) is returning to the Croisette with \"Mission: Impossible – Final Reckoning.\"

1 min

OpenAI Countersues Elon Musk, Claims Harassment

OpenAI countersued Elon Musk on Wednesday, citing a pattern of harassment by Musk and asking a federal judge to stop Musk from any \"further unlawful and unfair action\" against OpenAI, in a court case over the future structure of the firm that helped launch the AI revolution.

1 min

EU Chief Welcomes Trump's Tariff Pause

Brussels (AP) — European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday welcomed US President Donald Trump's decision to temporarily halt most US tariffs, but she did not say whether the European Union (EU) intends to press ahead with its own retaliatory measures.

1 min

US Probes if Foster Mother Traded Teen Girl for Monkey

A Missouri foster mother has been charged with child abuse and endangerment as authorities investigate whether she traded an adopted daughter to someone in Texas for a monkey and mistreated other children in her care.

1 min

Games Today

(SSC-R GYM) 9 A.M. - LETRAN VS SSC-R (M) 11 A.M. - LETRAN VS SSC-R (W)

1 min

Early Montecarlo exit for Djokovic

Novak Djokovic rued a \"horrible\" performance as he crashed out of the Monte Carlo Masters in his opening match on Wednesday, while Carlos Alcaraz staged a fightback for his first win at the tournament.

1 min

Sea Lions Win Game 3 Thriller for UCAL Crown

Allen Vergara buried a huge trey in the crunch as Olivarez College pulled off a thrilling 79-74 win over Philippine Christian University-Dasmariñas to rule the UCAL-PGFLEX Season 7 yesterday at the Paco Arena in Manila.

1 min

Retro gig brings back fond memories

The PBA's Philippine Cup offering on its 50th Anniversary bash last Wednesday was teeming with nostalgia.

1 min

Haven for Pinoy boxers

There's a home in Las Vegas where Filipino fighters live and train, dreaming of a future to provide a better tomorrow for their families.

2 mins

37 Teams Vie in JGFP Inter-Club

A total of 37 teams including seven international squads will start their bid in the 2025 edition of the Junior Golf Foundation of the Philippines (JGFP) Inter-Club championship scheduled April 11 to 13 at the Mimosa Plus Golf Course in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga.

1 min

World's finest divers show wares in El Nido

Poetry in motion will be in full display as 24 of the best divers on Earth converge at one of the world's most scenic island destinations in the much-awaited opening leg of the 2025 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series today here.

1 min

Talion, Serdenia notch ICTSI JPGT victories

Levonne Talion and Charles Serdenia delivered contrasting performances, fueling their ICTSI Junior PGT Championship campaigns by topping the 15-18 age category at Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club's Norman course here yesterday.

1 min

Go Leads Team That Will Negotiate Tariff With US

President Marcos' aide for economic matters will negotiate with the US trade representative on the 17 percent tariff imposed by the Trump administration on Philippine exports even if Manila sees the reciprocal duty having only a slight impact on the economy.

2 mins

BSP Brings Down Key Rate to 5.5%

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) resumed its monetary policy easing yesterday, cutting the benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 5.50 percent amid cooling inflation and risks to slower economic momentum.

2 mins

ADB, ESCAP See Phl Economy Growing at Least 6% This Year

The Philippine economy is seen growing at a faster pace of at least six percent this year from the revised 5.7 percent last year, according to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Economic and Social Committee for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).

1 min

Cigarette, liquor sales in 'sari-sari' stores drop amid 2024 inflation

Sales of cigarettes and liquor products in sari-sari or neighborhood convenience stores declined last year as inflation eroded consumers' purchasing power, according to tech startup Packworks.

1 min

Market Cheers Trump's 90-Day Tariff Pause

The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index gained by 1.19 percent or 71.84 points yesterday to close at 6,077.82.

1 min

ACEN, partners finish wind turbine installation in Laos

Ayala-led ACEN Corp., along with its joint venture partners, has completed the installation of all 133 wind turbine towers for the 600-megawatt (MW) Monsoon Wind Power Project in Laos.

1 min

SM Investments: Fostering confidence in the Philippine stock market

WHEN SM Group founder Henry Sy wanted to expand his retail business, Jose Sio, SM Investments Corp. chairman emeritus who was the group's longtime CFO back then, said the quickest way to do it was to go public.

3 mins

GDP target at risk with Trump tariffs

The country's growth target for this year is now at risk as US President Donald Trump imposed reciprocal tariffs, with the government seen resorting to higher spending to prop up the economy from the Liberation Day impact, according to a unit of Fitch Solutions.

1 min

RCBC's sustainability portfolio hits P120 B in 2024

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) has ramped up its commitment to sustainable finance, disclosing that it financed around P120 billion worth of green, blue and social projects as of end-2024.

1 min

BBM's legacy?

With barely a month before the midterm elections and three years to the end of his term, it is strange to see that there is hardly a whimper from the Palace about big legacy projects that will help BBM redeem his family's reputation.

4 mins

Gov't allows new investment schemes for insurers

The government has expanded the allowable investments for the insurance industry to ensure growth amid a dynamic market environment.

1 min

Franchise Asia 2025 Conference Offers Business Seminars on Growth, Success

Franchise Asia Philippines, the flagship event of the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA), has expanded its roster of seminars at the upcoming Expo on April 25-27 at the SMX Convention Center, Manila.

1 min

Higher gadget prices loom as US tariffs hit tech

Consumers should brace for more expensive computer and hardware products starting this quarter, impacting economies like the Philippines that are heavily importing technological products and solutions.

1 min

RFM Posts Strong Q1 Financial Results

Listed food and beverage company RFM Corp. is optimistic on its continued growth this year, with the company starting the year strong with robust first quarter earnings.

2 mins

It Takes a Village to Light the Future of Children

Davao Light, Aboitiz Foundation help last-mile schools reach for their dreams through Aurora PH

5 mins

Pinoys shift to palm oil as coco oil price rises

Filipino consumers may find themselves shifting to cheaper cooking oil this year, particularly palm oil, as the price of prized coconut oil continues to rise and could soon become \"inflationary.\"

2 mins

He blinked!

No doubt about it, US President Donald Trump just blinked after starting a childish staring contest with China.

4 mins

Two More Ways To Serve Your Country

A few months ago, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary, Gilbert \"Gibo\" Teodoro Jr., was the keynote speaker during a Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) general membership meeting.

3 mins

PLDT cuts infra losses by half

Telco giant PLDT Inc. saw its infrastructure losses drop by half between 2022 and 2024, gaining from partnerships with authorities and communities in protecting its connectivity assets.

1 min

Puregold earnings at record high in 2024

Puregold Price Club Inc., the flagship retail chain of businessman Lucio Co, is stepping up its expansion in the provinces this year to ensure sustained growth after finishing 2024 with record high earnings.

1 min

Local fintech taps Indian forex solutions provider

Local fintech startup Octopus Technologies Corp. (OTC) has partnered with Credence Analytics, a global solutions provider based in Mumbai, India, to enhance its financial analytics and services, especially for cross-border transactions.

1 min

Phl to import 3.5 M MT of rice - NEDA

Despite a projected higher rice output, the Philippines will still have to import about 3.5 million metric tons (MT) of the staple this year to meet its total requirement, government estimates showed.

2 mins

Gov't urged to step up anti-piracy fight

A consumer advocacy group has renewed its call for the immediate passage of the long-stalled Site Blocking Bill, urging the Senate to follow the lead of nations like South Korea and Indonesia where aggressive anti-piracy laws have delivered real economic benefits and curbed cyber threats.

1 min

IMI Earmarks $16M for 2025 Capex

Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc. (IMI) is allocating $16 million to fund investments on critical capital expenditure programs this year as the Ayala-led company continues with its transformative journey.

1 min

SM Store Has You Covered

SM STORE HAS YOU COVERED

1 min

CONFESSIONS OF AN ARMY DAD

Round this time five years ago, the world went into a tailspin. The COVID-19 pandemic kept most of us indoors — no vaccines yet, just anxiety, uncertainty, and an excessive number of banana bread recipes to keep us occupied.

5 mins

For His First Time in Manila, Dayglow Brings Joy to Center Stage

Ahead of performing at Wanderland Music and Arts Festival, the indie rock artist talks about making songs about growing up and finding people who relate to them on the other side of the world.

3 mins

And the bride wore red

After all, red is also the color of love.

2 mins

Family, trust, love, artistry & other fine jewels

No amount of success can compensate for the failure at home,\" businessman Vicente \"Ting\" Dayrit would emphasize this adage to his five children when they were growing up.

1 min

Local stars honored to play men and women in uniform

An action-drama about policemen and firemen may be an ordinary plot for a film, although it doesn't always get the green light from both the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

4 mins

THEATER SOUNDS FROM RICO BLANCO

Contrary to what many may believe in the local entertainment scene, Filipinos can keep secrets.

2 mins

Viva Partners With IPO To Strengthen IP Protection

Viva Holdings Inc. (VHI) has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPO), aimed at enhancing the protection of intellectual property (IP) in the e-commerce sector.

1 min

Diana Zubiri Shares Emotional Journey Of Raising Her Firstborn King

DIANA ZUBIRI DIDN'T disappoint in her acting comeback via the GMA 7 primetime series \"Mga Batang Riles.\" Her portrayal of a wife who lost a husband was a real tearjerker.

3 mins

Ties that bind...

TRUST IN SERVICE

1 min

TIES THAT BIND: IHAP AND SEC WORK TOGETHER TOWARDS PROGRESS

On March 26, 2025, the Investment House Association of the Philippines (IHAP) officially inducted its board of directors for this year. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Commissioner McJill Bryant Fernandez led the ceremony on behalf of SEC Chairman Emilio Aquino.

2 mins

IHAP: Towards a Robust Future for Investment Houses

Gerry B. Valenciano is the new IHAP president

2 mins

BDO Capital Marks 25 Years of Supporting Businesses and PH Economy

As BDO Capital & Investment Corporation (BDO Capital) celebrates its 25th anniversary, its focus remains on driving business growth, generating employment, and contributing to the country's economic progress.

2 mins

Villar City Is Built To Breathe

Where nature shapes the skyline and sustainability leads the way

3 mins

SM Leisure Resort and Residences eyes continued growth as P2-B Pico Terraces tops off

SM Leisure Resort and Residences (SM LRR), a unit of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), has topped off Pico Terraces, a P2-billion premium residential condominium located within Pico de Loro Cove in Hamilo Coast, Batangas.

1 min

To Own Or Not To Own

To own or to rent? It's like choosing between adopting a child or simply having a niece or nephew over for the weekend.

2 mins

Tips on personalizing spaces for Filipino lifestyles

Creating a home that reflects your personality and meets your needs is both an art and a science.

2 mins

Tailored homes are the heart of modern living

From flexible layouts to smart tech, Filipino homeowners redefine living spaces as extensions of identity and well-being.

2 mins

ARTHALAND'S ELURIA: EXPERIENCE UNPARALLELED SERVICE AND SUSTAINABILITY AT THIS MAKATI CONDOMINIUM

Eluria by ARTHALAND and ARCH Capital is changing the way people live, work, and relax. This premium green condominium in Makati offers 37 limited-edition residences. Each home is designed for maximum privacy, elevated comfort, and a more sustainable lifestyle.

2 mins

Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates champions sustainable industrial development with its Sustainability Hub at LIMA Estate

As the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, Aboitiz InfraCapital is committed to enabling businesses and uplifting communities. One of its key business units, Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates, continues to champion this purpose by driving innovative and responsible solutions—most recently through the launch of its Sustainability Hub at LIMA Estate in Batangas.

3 mins

What are the common construction bonds and insurances?

Good designs, the use of high-quality materials, and excellent construction practices are essential for a project's success.

3 mins

CHERY AUTO PH LAUNCHES ALL-NEW TIGGO CROSS AT THE MANILA INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

CAP relaunches brand, gives sneak preview of Tiggo Grand Tour, ReV

2 mins

BYD Launches eMAX 7 -The Country's First Fully Electric MPV

Capitalizing on its exemplary 2024 global sales performance of 4,250,370 New Energy Vehicle units and a 29% year-on-year group revenue increase amounting to USD 107 billion, BYD, the world's leading New Energy Vehicle manufacturer, expands its portfolio in the Philippines with a highly competitive contender in the country's top-selling MPV segment.

4 mins

CHERY AUTO PH...

The new Chery Tiggo 2 Pro

2 mins

Suzuki PH Unveils All-New Dzire With Hybrid Tech at 2025 MIAS

Suzuki Philippines made a strong mark at the 2025 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) with the launch of the All-New Suzuki Dzire Hybrid, a stylish and smart compact sedan now equipped with Suzuki's hybrid system.

2 mins

Discover More Adventure and Freedom This Holy Week With the New Kia Carnival

Every mile becomes a chance to relax, explore, and create lasting memories on the open road.

3 mins

Kia showcases the future of mobility at MIAS 2025 with "The Kia Movement"

Kia Philippines amps up its presence at the 2025 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) with \"The Kia Movement,\" a four-day showcase of innovation, versatility, and sustainable driving.

1 min

Kia Showcases...

Driving Toward A Smarter Future

1 min

Changan Charges Into MIAS 2025 With A New Electrified Lineup

Changan is going all-in on electric at this year's Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), showcasing four electrified vehicles as it pushes further into the Philippine EV market.

1 min

Jetour Stuns at MIAS 2025 With Dual Lightning I-DM Reveal and Star-Powered Show

At the 2025 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), Jetour Auto Philippines took center stage with the electrifying debut of not one, but two new hybrid SUVs: the Jetour X70 Lightning i-DM and the rugged Jetour T2 Lightning i-DM, also unveiled in its exciting Panda Edition.

2 mins

MG previews the D90 4x4 and MG ZS Hybrid at MIAS 2025

G is more known for their crossover offerings in the market. In fact, they were first made popular with their ZS subcompact crossover. So it was only apt that in the 20th Manila International Auto Show, they're previewing a more mass-market electrified version of the ZS in the form of the MG ZS Hybrid. They are also about to dip their wheels in the midsized SUV arena with the new D90 4x4.

3 mins

BPI revs up excitement at MIAS 2025 with exclusive auto loan deals

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is honored to be the exclusive banking partner of the much-awaited 2025 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), hosted by Worldbex Services International (WSI), at the World Trade Center (WTC) Manila, Pasay City.

1 min

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