The Philippine Star - April 25, 2025

In this issue

April 25, 2025

Dear Francis: Church readies Books of Condolences

The Apostolic Nunciature in Manila will place “Books of Condolences” on April 29 to give the public the opportunity to express their sentiments on Pope Francis’ passing.

2 mins

'Chinese gov't contracted Makati firm for troll farms'

A Senate probe yesterday uncovered China-sponsored troll farms hired to manipulate public opinion on social media, with a National Security Council (NSC) official suspecting that Beijing is engaged in information operations to interfere in the May elections.

4 mins

Asean, China agree to complete sea code by 2026

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China are \"politically committed\" to conclude a legally binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea by next year, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said yesterday.

2 mins

Ateneo, UP Top Phl Universities in THE Rankings

Six Philippine universities landed in this year's Times Higher Education (THE) Asia University Rankings, with Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) and the University of the Philippines (UP) being rated as the country's top universities.

1 min

84% of World's Corals Impacted by Heat Stress — Scientists

Bleaching-level heat stress has impacted 84 percent of the world's coral reefs, with scientists noting that the Philippines is among 82 countries and economies severely affected.

2 mins

Palace to VP: Don't be termite, stop crab mentality

Malacañang yesterday lashed back at Vice President Sara Duterte for linking the administration's P20-per-kilo rice program to the upcoming midterm polls, saying she should shun crab mentality and avoid being a \"termite\" as President Marcos strives to fulfill his promise.

4 mins

Sara keeps mum on confidential funds

Vice President Sara Duterte declined to address questions raised about confidential funds and her impending impeachment trial by a party-list lawmaker she accused of being controlled by Speaker Martin Romualdez.

1 min

SC: File Marriage Annulment Petition Electronically

Filing of motions and other papers related to the declaration of nullity of marriage or its annulment must go through electronic filing in the first- and second-level courts across the country, the Supreme Court (SC) ordered.

1 min

Robredo endorses Abalos, Pacquiao

Former vice president Leni Robredo on Wednesday endorsed the Senate bids of former interior secretary Benhur Abalos and her former rival for the presidency, boxing icon Manny Pacquiao.

1 min

9 More Essential Medicines Exempted From VAT

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has added nine drug products to the list of essential medicines that are exempted from value-added tax (VAT) as mandated by law.

1 min

DFA: Japan PM's visit symbol of strong ties, cooperation

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo highlighted yesterday the significance of the visit of Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to the Philippines next week as a symbol of strength and growing cooperation with its strategic partner.

1 min

PSALM's 10-year extension lapses into law

A measure extending the corporate term of the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM), the state-run firm that implements the privatization plan for the government's energy assets, has lapsed into law.

1 min

Soldiers' legal aid, chemical weapons ban signed

President Marcos has signed into law a measure providing free legal assistance to soldiers and other uniformed personnel facing charges arising from incidents related to the performance of their duties, and another prohibiting the production, stockpiling and use of chemical weapons.

4 mins

Bersamin, Remulla, Estrella Gov't Caretakers

President Marcos has designated three Cabinet officials as caretakers of the government while he is in Vatican City to attend the funeral of Pope Francis.

1 min

Comelec Orders 29 Bets to Explain 'Vote Buying'

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has ordered 29 candidates in local races across the country to respond to allegations of vote buying.

2 mins

Trillanes to Appeal Dismissal of Cyberlibel Case vs. Roque

Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV yesterday said it is too early for Harry Roque to celebrate after the Quezon City prosecutor's office dismissed the cyberlibel complaint he filed against the former presidential spokesman.

1 min

BI: Japanese Target of Online Scammers

Japanese nationals are reportedly being targeted by online scammers, the Bureau of Immigration said yesterday.

1 min

Senior Citizens' Group Endorses Lacuna

Reelectionist Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna has gained the endorsement of the Senior Citizens party-list group.

1 min

Chinese Woman Probed Over 'Kidnap Me'

From being a victim, a Chinese woman is being investigated by police for allegedly staging her own kidnapping in Manila to collect money from her employer.

1 min

6-vehicle crash leaves 3 dead, 10 hurt in Marikina

Three people died and 10 others were injured after a trailer truck collided with five vehicles along Fortune Avenue in Marikina City on Wednesday night.

1 min

Crunch time

SKETCHES

4 mins

Sign up, just in case

CTALK

4 mins

More Gun Violence

EDITORIAL

2 mins

Tally voter receipts to check if machines counted right

GOTCHA

3 mins

As election issues

COMMONSENSE

4 mins

3 Killed in Kalinga Clash

Three men were killed in an encounter with still unidentified gunmen in Tabuk, Kalinga yesterday morning.

1 min

Cagayan mayor shot dead while campaigning

A reelectionist mayor in Cagayan was shot dead while campaigning in Rizal town on Wednesday night.

2 mins

Dengue Cases Decline in March

Dengue cases decreased in the second half of March, with only 9,289 cases reported nationwide, according to the Department of Health.

1 min

Comelec suspends gov't financial assistance program in Batangas

To prevent vote buying, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has suspended the implementation of P273 million in financial assistance programs in Batangas.

1 min

12 US states sue over Trump's tariffs

LOS ANGELES (AFP) — A coalition of 12 American states filed a lawsuit on Wednesday to challenge the Trump administration's tariffs, saying the president cannot institute the levies without the approval of Congress.

1 min

Trump's popularity slumps MAKE AMERIC in opinion polls

President Donald Trump's popularity has sunk since his riotous return to the White House, polls showed on Wednesday, with Americans criticizing him on key issues of the economy and immigration.

1 min

Cannes Adds Kristen Stewart, Jennifer Lawrence Films

Cannes film festival added a new film starring Jennifer Lawrence (in photo) and Robert Pattinson as well as Kristen Stewart's debut feature as a director to its roster of movies that will premiere next month on the French Riviera.

1 min

2 US Marines Accused of Rape in Japan's Okinawa

Two US marines in Japan's Okinawa are under investigation for alleged rapes, police said on Thursday, the latest in a string of assault cases that have angered residents.

1 min

Thousands gather for second day to view pope

Thousands of people gathered on Thursday for a glimpse of Pope Francis' body on the second day of public tributes, after St. Peter's Basilica stayed open almost all night to accommodate the crowds.

1 min

EU Hits Apple, Meta With 700 Million Euros in Fines

European Union (EU) watchdogs fined Apple and Meta hundreds of millions of euros on Wednesday as they stepped up enforcement of the 27-nation bloc’s digital competition rules.

1 min

'Massive' Russian missile attack kills 9 in Kyiv

A \"massive\" Russian missile attack on Kyiv on Thursday killed at least nine and wounded dozens in one of the deadliest strikes on the Ukrainian capital since Moscow launched its invasion more than three years ago.

1 min

Anciano, Tambalque triumph

Rafa Anciano shook off the ghosts of her final-round collapse at Eagle Ridge, displaying remarkable composure to clinch a dominant eight-stroke victory over Levonne Talion despite an 83 in the ICTSI Sherwood Hills Junior PGT Championship yesterday at Sherwood Hills Golf Club in Trece Martires, Cavite.

1 min

Eala enjoying big-time tennis

PAOAY, Ilocos Norte—It will be a long, long race for Filipino cyclists.

3 mins

EJ's dream to inspire

Sporting Chance

2 mins

Starhorse-Terrafirma deal fizzles out

The 24-year-old opposite hitter powered the Kazakhs with 19 points on 14 attacks, four blocks, and an ace.

2 mins

Phl 2nd Biggest ADB Recipient

Secures $6.02 B Financial Assistance in 2024

1 min

Franchisers target 8-10% revenue growth this year

The Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) is eyeing growth of eight to 10 percent in revenues this year with food businesses expected to be the main driver.

1 min

Moody's warns of rising risks as banks expand retail lending

Philippine banks are expected to benefit from the rapid growth in retail lending, but Moody's Ratings has cautioned that this expansion also brings elevated asset quality risks in the short-term, particularly due to untested borrowers and rising levels of unsecured consumer debt.

2 mins

Stock Market Snaps 3-Day Climb

Share prices tumbled yesterday on lack of positive catalysts, snapping the local stock market's three-day winning streak.

1 min

Of elephants and mice

\"When elephants fight, the mice scamper.\" When super powers clash, smaller nations must take cover.

4 mins

Amid market volatility, PLDT stands out as dividend haven

Telco giant PLDT Inc. remains one of the most sought-after stocks at the Philippine Stock Exchange, especially as its dividend policy stands out in times of uncertainties.

1 min

Bloomberry bets on online gaming

LAUNCHING THIS QUARTER

1 min

ALI Plans Unique Development in ABS-CBN Property

Property giant Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) is promising to develop something unique in the property in Quezon City, which the company has purchased from ABS-CBN Corp.

1 min

ALLHC Sees Benefits From Higher US Tariffs

Ayala Land Logistics Holdings Corp. (ALLHC) is expecting to benefit from the higher tariffs imposed by the United States on most of its trade partners.

1 min

Dizon hails JoyRide's Super Taxi at NAIA 3

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon lauded ride-hailing app JoyRide for providing accessible airport transfer services at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 through seamless transport solutions at the country's main gateway.

1 min

Tanduay Boosts Profit, Maintains Market Leadership

Lucio Tan-owned liquor company Tanduay Distillers Inc. has maintained its market leadership in 2024 as its profit surged behind strong sales volumes.

1 min

Chinabank raises dividends to P6.7 B

After posting solid earnings in 2024, Sy-led China Banking Corp. is rewarding shareholders with a total cash dividend of P6.7 billion this year, 14-percent higher than the P5.9 billion distributed last year.

1 min

A Renewed Appreciation for Sake

For us Filipinos, rice is part of our daily staple, mainly as our main source of carbohydrates that we accompany with a variety of viands.

4 mins

PXP on Lookout for New Oil, Gas Finds

Pangilinan-led PXP Energy Corp. continues to be on the lookout for new investment opportunities in the country's upstream sector despite persistent challenges.

1 min

Minimal US exposure shields ICTSI from Trump's tariffs

Logistics giant International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) is largely insulated from the risk brought about by higher Trump tariffs due to its minimal exposure to US trade.

1 min

Embracing the Breeze: Designing Climate-Responsive Homes

The tropical climate of the Philippines presents both challenges and opportunities for designing residential structures. With high temperatures, persistent humidity, and abundant rainfall, the environment demands a design that prioritizes comfort, resilience, and sustainability.

3 mins

San Jose del Monte redefines suburban living in Bulacan

Nestled at the gateway of Bulacan and Metro Manila, San Jose del Monte City (SJDM) has transformed from a quiet resettlement area into a dynamic real estate hotspot.

1 min

Rockwell continues its lasting legacy with The Samanean at Paradise Farms in Bulacan: Where prime living and nature meet

For 30 years, Rockwell Land has stood as a beacon of quality and innovation in the Philippine real estate industry, redefining the property market with its signature mixed-use communities.

4 mins

Nustar Resort Cebu Celebrates Three Years of Brilliance in Hospitality, Luxury, and Entertainment

NUSTAR Resort Cebu marks a milestone this May with a month-long celebration, headlined by the launch of the much-anticipated NUSTAR Hotel—Cebu's first ultra-luxury hotel.

1 min

FNG Reports Strong Uptake for Commercial Lots

The young developer expands business opportunities in General Trias with its Riverpark North commercial lots

1 min

Parkville: A fusion of Bacolod's heritage and modern living

M Development Corporation (SMDC) introduces Parkville, a 52.8-hectare master-planned community in Bacolod City that blends tradition with forward-thinking design.

1 min

BIR tax filings rise over 20% this year

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) recorded a more than 20-percent increase in electronic tax filings this year due to ramped-up campaign and digitalization efforts.

1 min

PLDT, Smart empower MSMEs to thrive in digital marketplace

FROM SARI-SARI TO SOCMED

1 min

All DJs Get a Seat at Let Them Cook's Table

Get to know the event series reverberating through the local music scene for giving DJs of all levels a chance to play.

5 mins

KAIA ushers in a new era

In their latest, Zack Tabudlo-produced single, 'Tanga', the P-pop girl group gets out of their comfort zone to find their sound.

3 mins

STRIDE FOR SAFETY

Takbo Babae 2025 turned a simple fun run into a safe space for solidarity, strength, and real conversations.

3 mins

The Stars Aligned For Press Hit Play's 'Pansamantala'

The OPM boy group's new single and music film treat queer love seriously, depicting it in its most unconditional.

4 mins

He saved his last 'dance' for his flock

Pope Francis' last official act was a graceful ride on his popemobile on Vatican Square, waving to tens of thousands of Catholic faithful and extending his blessings to them.

4 mins

Phenomenal!

In life and in death, Nora Aunor was phenomenal. Standing 4'11 1/2\", Nora Aunor was a giant in the showbiz firmament.

5 mins

ISABELLA CELEBRATES HER LIFE IN SONGS

\"Well, Lord willing, I go back to the studio after this show, as I have a wonderful bunch of projects in development that I hope to share with everyone soon.\"

3 mins

How 'Ang Mutya ng Section E' changed Rabin Angeles' life

From red-haired Yuri Hanamitchi in \"Ang Mutya ng Section E,\" rising star Rabin Angeles sported black hair when he graced the media conference and fan event of an international South Korean skincare brand where he was introduced as the newest brand endorser.

3 mins

David Licauco on Missing Onscreen Partner Barbie Forteza

David Licauco stepped into unfamiliar territory in his latest film, \"Samahan ng mga Makasalanan,\" not just because of his character and its genre, but also because he worked on it without his loveteam partner, Barbie Forteza.

3 mins

Read all stories from The Philippine Star

The Philippine Star Newspaper Description:

The Philippine Star is your go-to source for reliable, up-to-date news on politics, business, sports, entertainment, and global affairs. As one of the Philippines' most respected newspapers, it provides in-depth reports, expert opinions, and exclusive interviews, keeping you informed on the nation’s most important developments. Whether it’s breaking news, government policies, financial updates, or lifestyle trends, The Philippine Star ensures you stay ahead with accurate and insightful journalism.

Stay informed—subscribe today!