The Philippine Star - April 16, 2025

In this issue

April 16, 2025

US 'ship killer' missiles in Phl for Balikatan

An advanced anti-ship missile system developed for the US military will be used in the April 21 Balikatan exercises in which 14,000 Filipino and American troops are expected to participate, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said yesterday.

3 mins

Red Cross on high alert for Holy Week

As part of its heightened preparedness for Holy Week, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has placed its operations on high alert and dispatched more than 2,000 personnel across the country.

1 min

China vessel 'dangerously' blocks Phl patrol ship

A China Coast Guard ship made a dangerous maneuver to block a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel on patrol off Zambales on Monday.

2 mins

Marcos Signs Law Extending Meralco Franchise

President Marcos has extended Manila Electric Co. (Meralco)'s franchise for another 25 years, allowing it to continue operating power distribution systems in Metro Manila and nearby provinces until 2053.

2 mins

Roque, vlogger face sedition raps

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has recommended the filing of inciting to sedition charges against former presidential spokesman Harry Roque as well as inciting to sedition, cyber libel and computer forgery cases against vlogger Claire Contreras or \"Maharlika\" in connection with a video purportedly showing President Marcos snorting cocaine.

1 min

Good Friday parties banned in Boracay

No more parties on Good Friday.

1 min

Sara, Imee ITIM campaign a dark alliance, says party-list

The Kabataan party-list described the \"ITIM\" (black) campaign of presidential sister Sen. Imee Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte as a dark alliance, which should instead be renamed \"UnITIM 2.0\" (unity of darkness).

1 min

PNP Pursuing Leads on Kidnap-Slay of Anson Que

A week after Filipino-Chinese steel magnate Anson Que and his driver were found dead, the Philippine National Police (PNP) says it has obtained leads on the people responsible for their murder.

1 min

Imee describes Chiz as 'ambitious'

Sen. Imee Marcos has described Senate President Francis Escudero as ambitious, after failing to get the latter's support to cite in contempt one of the resource persons during a hearing on the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

1 min

P8-B add'l budget sought for 15-day rice buffer

The National Food Authority needs an additional P8 billion to meet the mandated 15-day national rice buffer stock, NFA administrator Larry Lacson said on Tuesday.

1 min

'No more ayuda-sounding party-list groups'

After the May 12 midterm elections, party-list groups will no longer be allowed to have \"ayuda-sounding\" names, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia said yesterday.

3 mins

Symphony Homes:SMDC offers a house and a lot more for Filipino families

FOR years, SMDC has been shaping the skyline and bringing condo living closer to where Filipinos work and thrive. Now, the company opens a new chapter-one that begins not with a tower, but with a doorstep, a backyard, and the feeling of coming home to more.

2 mins

1,901 Added to Phl's Medical Roster - PRC

The country's health care workforce just expanded with the addition of almost 2,000 newly licensed doctors who successfully passed the March 2025 Physicians Licensure Examination (PLE), the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced.

1 min

12 Areas to Reach Danger Heat Index

Twelve areas across the Philippines are expected to experience dangerously high heat index levels ranging from 42 to 44 degrees Celsius today, according to the latest bulletin from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

1 min

US 'ship killer'

From Page 1

2 mins

BIR Sees Rise in Online AITR Filings This Year

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is seeing the impact of its digital transformation efforts, with more Filipinos opting to file and pay their annual income tax returns (AITRs) online this tax season.

1 min

Remains of OFWs from quake-hit Myanmar home soon

The remains of the two overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who died in Myanmar following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake will be repatriated soon, according to the Department of Migrant Workers.

1 min

LTFRB Cracks Down on 'Kamote' Drivers

Following the call of President Marcos for motorists to observe patience and discipline to avoid incidents of road rage, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will crack down on reckless public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers.

1 min

13 Hurt in NLEX Smashup

Thirteen people were injured after a passenger bus crashed into a van and a dump truck along the southbound lane of the North Luzon Expressway in Valenzuela City on Monday night.

1 min

Fugitive in Interpol notice nabbed at NAIA

A man who is on the red notice list of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) was arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay on Monday.

1 min

Pasay mayoral bet under fire over racist ‘bumbay’ remark

Another local candidate in the May midterm elections is under fire for making discriminatory and racist remarks against Indian nationals during a campaign sortie.

1 min

82 Chinese, 4 Others Face Deportation Over Online Scam

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is set to deport 82 Chinese and four other foreigners who were arrested recently for their alleged involvement in an online scam ring in Makati.

1 min

Reward and punishment

SKETCHES

3 mins

Land-grabbed shorelines

CTALK

3 mins

Remittance slowdown

EDITORIAL

2 mins

Tariff War Rages on TikTok

Browsing online for the latest news here and abroad usually starts my day as I prepare for the daily grind of work at the editorial desk.

4 mins

If China 'owns' WPS, why is it destructive?

GOTCHA

3 mins

Speculating on Trump's policies towards China

THE CORNER ORACLE

4 mins

China's leader courts Vietnam as trade war with the US mounts

World view

2 mins

7 Cops in Kerwin Slay Attempt Face Gun Raps

The Leyte police has filed charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition as well as violation of the nationwide gun ban against the chief of the Ormoc City police and his six men who were tagged as persons of interest in an attempt to kill Kerwin Espinosa.

1 min

Maguindanao town placed under Comelec control

Maguindanao del Sur's capital town Buluan has been placed under the control of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) due to a series of poll-related violent incidents that occurred since the election period started.

1 min

Go Leads Turnover of Super Health Center in Misamis Oriental

Sen. Bong Go reaffirmed his commitment to bringing accessible health care closer to communities as he led the turnover of a Super Health Center in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental on Monday.

1 min

Merger of 2 Batangas barangays affirmed

The Supreme Court (SC) has affirmed the merger of two barangays in Calaca, Batangas, thereby putting an end to a dispute that has dragged on for decades.

1 min

Kardashian Will Testify at Paris Jewelry Theft Trial - Lawyer

US reality television star Kim Kardashian (in photo) is to testify in person at an upcoming French trial over an armed robbery of her jewelry in Paris in 2016, her US lawyer Michael Rhodes said Monday.

1 min

4 Arrested Over Obscene AI Images, in Japan First

Japanese police have arrested four people for selling obscene images created using generative AI in the first crackdown of its kind, local media reports said on Tuesday.

1 min

Italian Teen Set To Be First Millennial Saint

Carlo Acutis, a British-born Italian boy who built websites to spread his faith, will be proclaimed the Catholic Church's first saint of the millennial generation this month, elevating him to the same level as Mother Teresa and Francis of Assisi.

1 min

Katy Perry safely returns to Earth after space flight

WASHINGTON (AFP)—The United States opened the door on Monday to tariffs targeting high-end technology and pharmaceuticals, feeding the uncertainty gripping the global economy in a trade war that Chinese leader Xi Jinping warned can have \"no winner.\"

1 min

WC Qualifiers Draw Set in Doha

FIBA will conduct the 2027 World Cup qualifiers draw in Doha, Qatar, on May 13 with eight slots allocated for Asia and Oceania, including the host nation.

1 min

Beermen, Hotshots dispute 3-0 slate

Whenever it's the All-Filipino, San Miguel Beer and Magnolia play with a lot of pride and will to win.

1 min

Memo in Navarrete's camp

Don't look now but strength and conditioning coach Angel (Memo) Heredia has joined WBO superfeatherweight ruler Emanuel Navarrete's training camp in preparation for his defense against unbeaten Filipino Olympian Charly Suarez at the Pechanga Arena, San Diego, on May 10.

2 mins

Eala bundles out Koevermans

Alex Eala regained a good rhythm in the resumption of her rain-hit match with the Netherlands' Anouk Koevermans, salvaging the second set from 2-4 down and pulling off a 6-3, 6-4 triumph in the opening round of the Oeiras Ladies Open in Portugal yesterday.

1 min

Junior Altas finally hit zenith of glory

The Golden State Warriors acquired Jimmy Butler at the trade deadline in an attempt to land a top-six Western Conference playoff berth.

1 min

Tour of Luzon Revival a complete package

Simply mesmerized by El Nido

2 mins

Phl economy may fall below 6% this year - AMRO

Philippine economic growth may fall below six percent this year amid risks posed by the reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States on trading partners, according to the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO).

2 mins

BIR Collection Hits P669 Billion in First Quarter

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) saw its tax collection rise to P669 billion in the first quarter on the back of improved value-added tax (VAT) take.

1 min

Remittance growth slows in Feb

Money sent home by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) reached its lowest level in nine months in February, reflecting a post-holiday slowdown and external headwinds, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

2 mins

PSEi Advances Further Ahead of Holy Week Break

Local stocks continued to advance ahead of the Holy Week break on hopes of lower US tariffs and further rate cuts by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

1 min

Tourism to take hit from commercial fishing in municipal waters - groups

The country's tourism sector may take a hit if a Supreme Court ruling allowing commercial fishing inside the 15-kilometer municipal waters becomes final and executory, industry players said.

1 min

The Lamb of God

Have you ever wondered why the Scripture refers to Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God? Why compare Jesus to a docile lamb? Why not a lion? Or some other animal that suggests power and majesty?

3 mins

Gov't borrows P135 B via fixed-rate T-notes

The government managed to borrow an initial P135 billion via the issuance of fixed-rate Treasury notes (FXTNs) to boost state coffers.

1 min

AMRO Urges Unity Among ASEAN+3

The ASEAN+3 region Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) is urging member nations to remain united and refrain from resorting to anti-dumping measures against each other as the region realigns its exports away from the United States, following the announcement of higher tariffs, to intraregional trading partners.

4 mins

LBC Poised for Growth as It Celebrates New Milestone This Year

LBC Express Holdings Inc., one of the largest logistics and money services firms in the country, is poised for growth as it marks a new milestone this year.

1 min

RLC expands partnership with UBE Express

Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC) is expanding further its partnership with premium airport bus service provider UBE Express to bring convenience to more travelers.

1 min

Blue tourism roadmap to boost economy, sustainability

A blue tourism roadmap is being pushed to integrate the blue economy and marine tourism in a bid to boost the country's economic development and sustainability.

2 mins

Metrobank mobilizes P63 B in green financing

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) has mobilized P63 billion in green financing to support renewable energy, sustainable urban development, water security and inclusive growth.

2 mins

Will AI Fly in the Philippines?

The practice of public relations in the Philippines is largely based on strong relationships, trust and strategic communication.

3 mins

BMW Phl aiming for higher sales this year

The official distributor and importer of BMW cars in the Philippines is aiming to achieve higher vehicle sales this year with the launch of the new generation of its best-selling vehicle model, the X3.

1 min

Eton Sets New Goals for Next Phase of Growth

Eton Properties Philippines Inc., the real estate arm of Lucio Tan's LT Group Inc., is setting its sights on refining its brand and strengthening operations as it embarks on the company's next phase of growth.

1 min

Hyundai Motor PH to Provide Service Support With Holy Week Roadside Assistance Program

Hyundai Motor Philippines Inc. (HMPH) rolls out its 3 year of the Holy Week Roadside Assistance Program (HWRAP), providing immediate assistance to customers on the road during the Lenten Season.

1 min

THE 10 MOST IMPORTANT NEW CARS OF MIAS 2025

Twenty-five automobile manufacturers participated in this year's Manila International Auto Show, which also marked the event's 20th anniversary.

2 mins

All-new Audi Q6 e-tron raises the bar with self-driving voice command technology

\"Hey, Audi.\" In the all-new Audi Q6 e-tron, these words literally open the window to a new way of interacting with the fully electric SUV -- which redefines driving convenience and safety not just with a voice command feature, but also with self-driving technology.

2 mins

Honda HR-V RS e:HEV Efficiency over excitement

The electrified push is well underway for Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), and after introducing the hybrid versions of the Civic and CR-V, the Japanese automaker has now electrified its popular subcompact crossover, the Honda HR-V, with the debut of the HR-V RS e:HEV.

3 mins

Phl From B1

AMRO's report showed that the Philippines, along with Indonesia and Malaysia are expected to maintain potential growth above 3.5 percent through 2040.

1 min

PSE Raises Stake in PDS to 91%

The Philippine Stock Exchange Inc. (PSE) has raised its ownership in the Philippine Dealing System Holdings Corp. (PDS) to 91 percent with the acquisition of Tata Consultancy Services Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.'s stake.

1 min

NGCP: Transmission costs up in April consumer bills

Transmission charges will increase this month due to a spike in the cost of critical power reserves according to the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines.

1 min

ABS-CBN Slashes Net Loss in 2024

ABS-CBN Corp. slashed its losses by more than half last year on the back of higher revenues from its content production and distribution segment coupled with lower expenses.

1 min

Emperador Sees Better Year for Brandy Business

Emperador Inc. expects 2025 to be a better year for its brandy business, while its whisky business could remain challenging due to the potential impact of new trade policies from the United States.

1 min

Pilita Corrales: The Style Chameleon

'My mamita was thrifty, she enjoyed a bargain and she didn't really splurge. She told me that one doesn't really have to spend a lot to look great,' says granddaughter Janine Gutierrez.

4 mins

Camille Villanueva Goes Clean, Modern and Sustainable

Making sure to use sustainable Filipino materials that include Iloilo woven cotton and Bacolod handwoven silk, Camille Villanueva describes her design style, \"I like the understated with clean lines—feminine with modern and clean silhouettes that celebrate the woman's form, rather than hide it.\"

1 min

The Art of Silk Is Gucci's Language

The fluid elegance of silk transforms into a language of expression, woven into the night.

1 min

This Dual-Brand Store Is Giving Men What They Want

Original Penguin and Perry Ellis are now in synergy. It's the first in the world.

2 mins

Royce Cabrera jumps from being a mastermind to reading minds in 'SLAY'

Starring in a murder mystery TV series such as \"SLAY\" is not new to Royce Cabrera.

3 mins

HOLLYWOOD DIALECT COACH JOEL GOLDES ON MASTERING THE ART OF ACCENTS

When watching a film or play, audiences often take for granted how effortlessly actors slip into different accents.

3 mins

BGYO on Holy Week plans, career highs and lows

The members of the P-pop boy group BGYO have shared their Holy Week plans, including spending more time with their loved ones and celebrating Gelo and Akira's birthdays.

2 mins

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