The Philippine Star - April 14, 2025

In this issue

April 14, 2025

DOH activates Code White Alert

All hospitals and health facilities nationwide were placed on \"Code White\" alert yesterday as Filipinos began the observance of Holy Week.

2 mins

Faithful urged: Take up your cross

In order to gain hope and deeper faith, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula yesterday told the Catholic faithful that they should take up their crosses and offer them to the Lord.

2 mins

Overseas voting begins

Filipinos in various parts of the world started trooping to Philippine embassies and consulates as the month-long overseas voting period began yesterday.

2 mins

Marcos to Pinoys: Be resilient amid challenges

President Marcos has called on Filipinos to remain optimistic and resilient in the face of trials, reminding them that their limitations are not impediments to pursuing greater causes.

3 mins

21 Areas Experience 'Danger' Heat Index

Twenty-one areas in the country experienced \"danger\" heat index of 42-45 degrees Celsius on Saturday, as easterlies or the warm wind from the Pacific Ocean continued to persist, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said.

1 min

Europe shop showcases Phl coffee, liquor

In yet another testament to the quality of Filipino exports, a coffee shop in Austria served coffee cocktails using Philippine specialty coffee and premium liquor during a Coffee in Good Spirits (CIGS) event in Vienna.

1 min

NFA rice allocation for LGUs increased

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has increased the allocation of National Food Authority (NFA) rice, priced at P33 per kilo, to local government units (LGUs) nationwide, from 625,600 bags to 1.35 million bags, as part of the implementation of the food security emergency.

2 mins

DA: Pork retail prices high despite max SRP

A ranking official of the Department of Agriculture (DA) yesterday said the retail price of pork remains higher by P60 per kilo, despite the maximum suggested retail price (max SRP) of P360 per kilo for pork shoulder and P380 per kilo for pork belly.

1 min

14.4 M Pinoy families poor - SWS

An estimated 14.4 million Filipino families consider themselves poor in the first quarter of 2025, a new survey conducted by Social Weather Stations (SWS) said.

2 mins

Pope Francis Makes Brief Appearance After Palm Sunday Service

Pope Francis made a brief appearance in St. Peter's Square on Sunday at the end of a Palm Sunday service, greeting the crowds from his wheelchair as he continues to recover from double pneumonia.

1 min

China's Xi Courts Southeast Asia as Trump Tariffs Bite

Chinese President Xi Jinping will kick off a five-day, three-nation Southeast Asia tour today as Beijing seeks to tighten regional trade ties and offset the impact of huge tariffs unleashed by his US counterpart Donald Trump.

2 mins

Pangasinan Local Officials Show Support, Attend the Unveiling of the Panday Sword in Brgy. Palaming, San Carlos, Pangasinan

Local officials from various municipalities in Pangasinan, including Basista Mayor JR Resuello, Urbiztondo Vice Mayor Volter Balolong, Lingayen Vice Mayor JM Crisostomo, and several councilors, gathered to be a part of this significant event.

1 min

Phl humanitarian team returns after Myanmar mission

The Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent (PIAHC) - deployed to aid in the rescue and relief operations in Myanmar following the 7.7-magnitude earthquake — is scheduled to arrive back in the country today after completing its mission, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said.

1 min

Electric vehicles in developing countries beneficial – UNEP

This could be the year of the electric vehicle in developing countries, which would help reduce air pollution and allow countries to end dependence on imported fossil fuels, the Sustainable Mobility Unit at the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) said.

1 min

Phl releases int'l humanitarian law committee guidelines

The Marcos administration has released the implementing guidelines of the executive order that created an inter-agency committee on International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

2 mins

The attack dog

You won't hear Ferdinand Marcos Jr. cussing in public or making misogynistic or un-PC jokes.

4 mins

Mission improbable

CTALK

3 mins

No safe spaces

EDITORIAL

2 mins

Teacher Jun

As part of the education cum information campaign of the government, a hard-bound comic book was launched last February at the National Library.

4 mins

Purity and perfection

QWERTYMAN

4 mins

Connecting MSMEs and their markets

GO NEGOSYO PILIPINAS

4 mins

How many times can Trump tempt fate?

World view

1 min

2 Dead, 16 Hurt in 3-Vehicle Collision

Two people died and 16 others were injured when a passenger jeepney collided with two vehicles along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City yesterday.

1 min

MM's water dependence on Angat Dam to drop 86%

Metro Manila's water dependence on Angat Dam will go down to 86 percent once the Wawa Dam in Rizal becomes operational, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System said over the weekend.

1 min

Measles Cases Surge in QC

The Quezon City government has reminded parents to have their children vaccinated against measles following a surge in cases in the first quarter of the year.

1 min

Death of 2 Grade 8 Students Beyond Alarming

The fatal stabbing of two Grade 8 students in Las Piñas is \"beyond alarming\" and a \"clear sign of a crisis,\" Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian lamented yesterday.

1 min

270 inmates get free legal aid

Free legal assistance has been provided to 270 inmates of the New Bilibid Prison, according to the Department of Justice Action Center (DOJAC).

1 min

Bong Go, Tulfo brothers lead Senate race - poll

Media personality Ben Tulfo, his brother ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo and reelectionist Sen. Bong Go topped a pre-election senatorial survey in a three-way statistical tie.

1 min

Palace sacks DICT undersecretary

Following the reported reshuffling of Cabinet officials, Jeffrey Ian Dy has been sacked from his post as undersecretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology.

1 min

DPWH Sets Holy Week Road Works

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will conduct 24-hour road repairs in Metro Manila this Holy Week, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority announced yesterday.

1 min

Maguindanao board bet survives ambush

COTABATO CITY - A candidate for a seat in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Maguindanao del Sur and his companions survived an ambush yesterday afternoon.

1 min

Bulacan farmer's group sells rice at P32/kilo

The farmer's group 4SM Agri Multi-Purpose Cooperative, using its own rolling stores, has started selling rice at only P32 per kilo here.

1 min

Kanlaon-affected LGUs to get P63 M more in assistance

Local government units affected by the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano are expected to receive P63 million more in cash aid from President Marcos, according to the Office of Civil Defense.

1 min

Central Luzon police deploys 1,000 cops for Holy Week

Around 1,000 police personnel were deployed throughout Central Luzon for the Holy Week.

1 min

Trump Spares Smartphones, Computers From China Tariffs

WASHINGTON/WEST PALM BEACH (Reuters)—US President Donald Trump's administration granted exclusions from steep reciprocal tariffs to smartphones, computers and some other electronics imported largely from China, providing a big break to tech firms like Apple that rely on imported products.

1 min

Hamas Releases Video Showing Israeli-American Hostage Alive

Hamas' armed wing released a video on Saturday showing an Israeli-American hostage alive, in which he criticizes the Israeli government for failing to secure his release.

1 min

Boone, Tyla, GloRilla Perform at Coachella

Singer Benson Boone sang \"Bohemian Rhapsody\" with Queen's Brian May on guitar and Blackpink's Lisa drew a massive crowd to the Sahara tent as the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival opened in the California desert.

1 min

High winds prompt Beijing to cancel flights

High winds and the threat of sandstorms Saturday prompted Beijing to cancel hundreds of flights and close public parks, as massive gales felled hundreds of trees, crushing cars and damaging older homes across China's capital.

1 min

Ecuador Votes in Razor-Close Presidential Runoff

Ecuadorans voted yesterday in a too-close-to-call presidential election pitting the incumbent, security hawk Daniel Noboa, against a charismatic leftist challenger.

1 min

South Korea's ex-president Yoon to face insurrection trial

Former South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol will face his first criminal trial today for insurrection after his short-lived imposition of martial law in December, which plunged the democratic country into political turmoil.

1 min

Tour revival features 119 riders

A total of 119 riders representing 17 teams — including four from overseas — hit the road on April 24 as the fabled Tour of Luzon returns with “The Great Revival” edition in Paoay, Ilocos Norte.

1 min

Phl bets hit twinkill in Vietnam duathlon

The Philippines' John Patrick Ciron and Merry Joy Trupa defied the odds and struck gold in the duathlon event of the 2025 World Triathlon Development Regional Cup and National Championships at the Tam Chuc Complex in Vietnam.

1 min

MBL lures PLDT, Meralco, Metro Pacific Tollways teams

PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications, Inc. are joining forces with the rest of the Manuel V. Pangilinan-led businesses, ACEN, and government agencies for the third season of the Makabansa Basketball League (MBL).

1 min

Rory Charges Ahead

DeChambeau Is Two Strokes Down

1 min

Alcaraz Musetti duel for Monte Carlo crown

Carlos Alcaraz booked his place in the final of the Monte Carlo Masters for the first time with a dominant 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 win over fellow Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina on Saturday.

1 min

Hunt, Iffland dazzle from El Nido cliffs

They came, they saw, they conquered — once again.

4 mins

Lady Bulldogs Secure ‘Incentive’

Alyssa Solomon had a triumphant return as defending champion National University dispatched already-eliminated Ateneo de Manila University, 25-16, 25-15, 25-21, to clinch a twice-to-beat incentive in the UAAP Season 87 Women's Volleyball Final Four yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

1 min

Angels dream, believe, achieve

Petro Gazz coach Koji Tsuzurabara was emotional after the Angels slew the Creamline Cool Smashers to snare the franchise's breakthrough Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference title.

1 min

Melvin's target is Collazo

There are two things on WBC minimumweight champion Melvin Jerusalem's mind. First is to unify the 105-pound title, at least the WBC, WBA and WBO versions since another Filipino, Pedro Taduran, holds the IBF belt.

1 min

The Greatest

The Game Of My Life

2 mins

Greenies Force Rubber vs Altalettes

GAMES TUESDAY (FILOIL ECOOIL ARENA) 2:30 P.M.- UPHSD VS LA SALLE-GREENHILLS

1 min

It's final: No more capital hike for existing HMOs

The government has formally scrapped the increase in the minimum paid-up capital of existing health maintenance organizations (HMOs) as they will instead undergo tiering based on net worth.

2 mins

Nomura Lowers Growth Forecast for PH to 5.9%

Nomura Global Markets Research has trimmed its 2025 growth forecast for the Philippine economy to 5.9 percent from six percent previously, citing headwinds from global trade tensions and higher US tariffs.

2 mins

BSP rate cut signals dovish shift - analysts

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) trimmed its key interest rate by 25 basis points (bps) to 5.5 percent last week, a move widely expected by analysts who now view the central bank turning increasingly dovish in response to softening inflation and rising global uncertainties.

2 mins

Warnings from finance titans

The titans of finance are sounding the alarm as Trump's trade war shakes the world:

4 mins

Cautious trading seen on shortened trading week

The local stock market is expected to trade with caution this shortened trading week amid lingering global trade war fears.

1 min

SEC Opens Strategic Sandbox for Crypto Service Providers

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is introducing a regulatory sandbox for crypto-asset service providers (CASP) to facilitate responsible innovation and ensure investor protection given the continued growth and development of new crypto-asset services.

1 min

Come to the Philippines

Here is a bit of good news coming out of the gloom and doom of Trump's disastrous tariff increases.

4 mins

It's final From B1

Moving forward, HMOs belonging to Tier A will have no limit while those on Tier B will have maximum gross membership fees 10 times the net worth.

1 min

Hotel101 Global eyes Nasdaq listing this Q2

DoubleDragon Corp., the listed property developer owned by Edgar \"Injap\" Sia II and Tony Tan Caktiong, is targeting to proceed with the US listing of subsidiary Hotel101 Global Pte. Ltd. this quarter.

1 min

Makati Life Wins 2025 Healthcare Asia Awards

Makati Life Medical Center (MLMC), the first tertiary public-private partnership (PPP) hospital in the Philippines, earned top honors as the \"Integrated Healthcare Provider of the Year\" at the Healthcare Asia Awards 2025 in Malaysia over the weekend.

1 min

MVP brings French firm to fuel Phl nuclear push

Tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan is joining forces with French state-run power giant Electricité de France SA (EDF) to unlock the potential of nuclear energy in the Philippines.

2 mins

Why Filipino Food Entrepreneurs Are Choosing To Study In Singapore!

Filipinos are now looking beyond borders for ways to turn their culinary dreams into a global reality.

1 min

PHILEQUITY CORNER

From B2

1 min

Meat imports rise 33% in two months

The country's meat imports in the first two months rose by a third on an annual basis to over 230,000 metric tons (MT), driven by higher purchases abroad of pork and chicken meat, government data showed.

1 min

MVP Brings French Firm to Fuel PH Nuclear Push

Tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan is joining forces with French state-run power giant Electricité de France SA (EDF) to unlock the potential of nuclear energy in the Philippines.

2 mins

Debt payment cut to P52 B in February

The Marcos administration reduced its debt service by more than 80 percent to P52 billion in February amid the decline in payment for the loan principal borrowed by the government.

1 min

Maricel Soriano Pulls Out All the Stops for Her 60th Birthday

Maricel Soriano celebrated her milestone 60th birthday with a dazzling celebration on April 8 at the New Frontier Theatre (NFT) in Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City.

2 mins

John 'Sweet' Lapus does musical for the first time

Comedian-actor-director John \"Sweet\" Lapus has come full circle now that he is doing \"Delia D,\" an original Filipino musical featuring the songs of Jonathan Manalo, to be staged by Newport World Resorts production outfit, Full House Theater Company (FHTC).

3 mins

Women Docu Filmmakers Headline Free Screening at MCAD

The Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD) offers a free public screening of a collection of socio-political documentaries that highlight the crucial role of women filmmakers.

1 min

Ed Lantin strips his subjects down to their inner light

Artist Edgardo \"Ed\" Lantin, who migrated to Vancouver in 1981 and built much of his career there through large portraits, starting with one of former President Corazon Aquino displayed at the Malacañang Palace Museum, reveals a different side in the show \"Flesh and Form\" now at The Crucible Gallery.

2 mins

RED-TAGGING, BUTT-DIALING, DEEPFAKING AND OTHER EVOLVING IDIOMS

At No other stage of English language evolution has there been such rapid growth than in the first quarter of this millennium.

5 mins

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