The Philippine Star - May 02, 2025

In this issue

May 02, 2025

DICT, Google joining forces vs fake news

Digital literacy campaigns and content moderation to combat fake news will be enhanced through a partnership between the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and Google Philippines.

1 min

DA Defers Full Rollout of P20 Rice to May 13

TUPAD Payouts Suspended

3 mins

Ad firm summoned to Senate probe on China-funded trolls

A Senate committee has summoned a Makati-based marketing firm to attend the panel's next investigation on the company's alleged role in deploying China-funded trolls to influence the May 12 midterm elections.

2 mins

3 Filipino Cardinals Participating in Papal Conclave

The 2025 papal conclave will have the most number of participating Filipino cardinals.

2 mins

Sara to Attend DOJ Probe on 'Kill' Remark

Vice President Sara Duterte will appear at the Department of Justice (DOJ)'s preliminary investigation into the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)'s complaint against her over her alleged threat to have President Marcos killed.

2 mins

12 dead, 27 hurt in SCTEX toll plaza multiple collision

Twelve people, including six minors, were killed and 27 others were injured when a speeding passenger bus crashed through a column of vehicles at the Subic-ClarkTarlac Expressway (SCTEX) toll plaza in Tarlac City at past noon yesterday.

1 min

BBM on new wage hike: No sweet promises

Will the legislated wage hike be just HED another \"sweet promise?\"

4 mins

DICT, Google joining forces vs fake news

Digital literacy campaigns and content moderation to combat fake news will be enhanced through a partnership between the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and Google Philippines.

1 min

DA Defers Full Rollout of P20 Rice to May 13

TUPAD Payouts Suspended

3 mins

Ad firm summoned to Senate probe on China-funded trolls

A Senate committee has summoned a Makati-based marketing firm to attend the panel's next investigation on the company's alleged role in deploying China-funded trolls to influence the May 12 midterm elections.

2 mins

3 Filipino Cardinals Participating in Papal Conclave

The 2025 papal conclave will have the most number of participating Filipino cardinals.

2 mins

Sara to Attend DOJ Probe on 'Kill' Remark

Vice President Sara Duterte will appear at the Department of Justice (DOJ)'s preliminary investigation into the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)'s complaint against her over her alleged threat to have President Marcos killed.

2 mins

DepEd vows to address functional illiteracy in SHS

Following a government survey that flagged widespread reading and comprehension issues, Education Secretary Sonny Angara yesterday reaffirmed the Department of Education (DepEd)'s commitment to ensure that every Filipino learner becomes functionally literate.

3 mins

Ad

The STAR has sought the side of the officials through the company email address but got no response.

1 min

3 Filipino

In previous papal elections there were only one or two Filipino \"princes of the Church.\"

1 min

Japan PM visits Manila port

Before concluding his two-day official visit, Japan's Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru boarded two Japanese vessels docked at the Port of Manila as well as the Philippine Coast Guard's BRP Teresa Magbanua to express his appreciation to their crew and officers for their role in keeping peace and stability in the region.

1 min

Ad

The STAR has sought the side of the officials through the company email address but got no response.

1 min

12 Dead

Passengers of the Nissan Urvan while the other two were in the Kia Sonet. The two vehicles lay crushed between the bus and the truck.

1 min

Some Pinoy families in Vancouver want repatriation

Some families of the Filipino victims of carramming attack at a Filipino festival in Vancouver, Canada have requested to be repatriated, the Philippine consulate general in Vancouver said yesterday.

1 min

More local bets face DQ

At least three more candidates in Quezon City and Laguna are facing disqualification complaints before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for various alleged offenses.

1 min

AFP Mulls Strategic Defense Unit

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is looking at creating a new unit that will focus on strategic defense, in response to evolving global security challenges that see the country establishing new alliances.

1 min

AI will enhance Phl economics

Projects related to science, technology and innovation (STI), such as the development of artificial intelligence or AI, are the \"very engines\" that will drive the Philippines in its quest to attain higher-income status, the Department of Science and Technology asserted yesterday.

1 min

BBM wants due process for Garcia; ombudsman wants apology

President Marcos yesterday called for adherence to due process and fair treatment of Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, an administration ally who has been suspended for allegedly committing grave abuse of authority and other offenses.

1 min

HARI Redefines Future-Forward Transport at EV-olution Expo

Hariphil Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai commercial vehicles in the Philippines, strengthens its commitment to innovation and sustainable progress at the Hyundai Truck and Bus Mobility EV-olution Expo, held May 2, 2025 at the Filinvest Tent, Alabang.

3 mins

Promise fulfilled?

SKETCHES

4 mins

Crime dis-solving

CTALK

4 mins

Deadly driving

EDITORIAL

2 mins

PNP Clears Anson Que Son in Kidnap-Slay Case

PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil expressed outrage over the leak of the extrajudicial confession of David Tan Liao, one of the principal suspects, who accused Que's son, Rongxian Gou, also known as Alvin Tan, as the one who orchestrated the crime.

1 min

14,000 Move It Riders to Lose Jobs

Up to 14,000 motorcycle taxi riders belonging to Move It are at risk of losing their jobs following an order from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) reducing the company's fleet by more than half.

1 min

NBI Summons Content Creator Over Fake News

The National Bureau of Investigation has summoned a content creator who posted false information online about an alleged rivalry between the NBI and the Philippine National Police (PNP) over a P10-million reward for information leading to the arrest of Apollo Quiboloy.

1 min

Bong Go gets Isko backing

Reelectionist Sen. Bong Go, also known as \"Mr. Malasakit,\" has been endorsed by former Manila mayor Isko Moreno during a campaign sortie in Paco on Tuesday.

1 min

DOTr: 1.2 M benefit from free train rides

An estimated 1.2 million passengers availed themselves of free rides across three rail lines in Metro Manila on the first day of President Marcos' \"libreng sakay\" program as part of Labor Day celebration.

1 min

10 CIDG officers axed over P18-M 'hulidap'

Ten members of the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) have been sacked from their posts and placed under restrictive custody for allegedly extorting P18 million from three people, including a Chinese national, in Tondo, Manila in February.

1 min

MM Workers May Get Pay Hike in July

Minimum wage earners in Metro Manila may receive an increase in their daily take-home pay by July, the Department of Labor and Employment said yesterday.

1 min

106 Students Qualify for Phl Math Team

Up to 106 public and private school students have qualified as members of the Philippine Mathematics Team and are set to compete in math contests abroad.

1 min

New QC Commission Seen to Boost Film Industry

In a bid to solidify its status as the Film and Entertainment Capital of the Philippines, the Quezon City government has approved an ordinance establishing the Quezon City Screen Commission.

1 min

P203.88-M additional assistance for Kanlaon victims OK'd

President Marcos has approved the P203.88-million additional assistance requested by local government units (LGUs) affected by the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano in Negros, according to the Office of Civil Defense.

1 min

15 Cebu, Bohol Areas Placed Under Yellow Category

CEBU CITY — With only 11 days left before the May 12 polls, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has placed 15 areas in Cebu and Bohol under the yellow category due to election-related concerns.

1 min

P203.88-M additional assistance for Kanlaon victims OK'd

President Marcos has approved the P203.88-million additional assistance requested by local government units (LGUs) affected by the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano in Negros, according to the Office of Civil Defense.

1 min

15 Cebu, Bohol Areas Placed Under Yellow Category

CEBU CITY — With only 11 days left before the May 12 polls, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has placed 15 areas in Cebu and Bohol under the yellow category due to election-related concerns.

1 min

NGO Chief Gets 26 Years Over 'Pork' Scam

The head of a non-government organization (NGO) has been sentenced to 26 years in prison for alleged involvement in the pork barrel scam.

1 min

Consumer Rights Action Centers Launched in Bulacan

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has launched three barangay consumer rights action centers in Bulacan.

1 min

King Charles: Cancer journey brings best of humanity into focus

King Charles III described Wednesday how a cancer diagnosis can be a \"daunting and at times frightening\" experience for sufferers and their loved ones as he hosted an event to laud the \"extraordinary work\" of cancer charities.

1 min

Ukraine, US sign minerals deal, tying Trump to Kyiv

The United States and Ukraine on Wednesday signed an agreement granting American access to Ukraine's vast mineral resources, finalizing a deal months in the making that could enable continued military aid to Kyiv amid concerns that US President Donald Trump might scale back support in ongoing peace negotiations with Russia.

1 min

McGregor Back on London Stage in 'My Master Builder'

The new Ibsen-inspired play \"My Master Builder\" digs into modern-day relationship politics, actor Ewan McGregor said at the show's official opening night on Tuesday.

1 min

US Senate Rejects Bill to Rein in Trump Tariffs

As US Economy Contracts 0.3% in First Quarter

1 min

JOO RIDES INTO TOUR GLORY

BAGUIO-At high noon before a big crowd lining the final climb to Camp John Hay, South Korean Joo Dae Yeong completed his triumphant journey in the MPTC Tour of Luzon:

2 mins

Another Treble for Amazing Bugna

There's no stopping Kathryn Bugna.

1 min

Evolving basketball vocabulary

As in many sports, basketball has its own vocabulary which is constantly evolving.

2 mins

Timberwolves ease out Lakers, Rockets stay alive

The Minnesota Timberwolves sent LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers tumbling out of the NBA playoffs at the first hurdle on Wednesday, producing a clinical 103-96 win to complete a 4-1 series victory.

1 min

Tropa eye turnaround from slow start

A slow start like this 0-2 showing early in the PBA Philippine Cup isn't exactly unfamiliar territory for TNT.

1 min

ICTSI JPGT swings over to south

It's the southern standouts' turn to showcase their skills and test their mettle as the ICTSI Mactan Junior PGT Championship unfolds on Monday at the Mactan Island Golf Course in Cebu.

1 min

Golden day for Philippine lifters

Alexandra Ann Diaz, niece of Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo, delivered two of the five gold medals the Philippines captured in the IWF Youth and Junior World Championships in Lima, Peru Wednesday.

1 min

Most analysts expect higher April inflation

Consumer price growth likely picked up in April as base effects faded and utility costs rose, according to a poll of economists.

2 mins

Phl eyes membership in Trans-Pacific FTA

The Philippines is aiming to formally submit its application to join the high-standard Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) this year as part of its strategy to diversify trade markets, according to the Department of Trade and Industry.

3 mins

ACCESS TO ELECTRICITY

AboitizPower Brings Light to Brgy. Malabog in Davao City

4 mins

Most From B1

Meanwhile, BPI lead economist Jun Neri, RCBC chief economist Michael Ricafort and UnionBank chief economist Carlo Asuncion see inflation easing further to 1.6 percent.

1 min

Blackout in Spain

Spain's power grid ran entirely on renewable energy for the first time on April 16, 2025, with wind, solar and hydro meeting all peninsular electricity demand during a weekday.

4 mins

ACEN Scouting for Offshore Wind Partners

Ayala-led ACEN Corp. is on the lookout for potential strategic and technical partners to anchor its bold push into the offshore wind space.

2 mins

Pag-IBIG Upgrades Multi-Purpose Loan

The Home Development Mutual Fund, commonly known as Pag-IBIG, has increased the cash loan entitlement of its members and the flexibility of payment terms.

1 min

Smart traffic solutions eyed for PPP

The government wants investors to explore the emerging market for public-private partnerships (PPP) that provide smart solutions for mass transport and traffic management in cities.

1 min

AboitizPower bond offer earns top credit rating

The planned issuance of up to P30 billion worth of retail bonds by Aboitiz Power Corp. has attained the highest credit rating from Philippine Ratings Services Corp.

1 min

Budget releases up, utilization steady in Q1

The government increased its releases of cash allocations with state agencies registering a steady utilization rate as of the first quarter following this year's record P6.326-trillion budget.

2 mins

Bridging Worlds, Building Futures: HSBC Philippines at 150

In a world where global connections are key to progress, HSBC Philippines marks 150 years of empowering Filipinos to think and act beyond borders.

2 mins

Education as a tool for poverty reduction

Amory Gethin, an economist at the World Bank's development research group, believes that education policy should continue to be at the center of global poverty reduction.

4 mins

Phl Eyes From B1

Philippines' expected graduation from the EU Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus, which allows beneficiary countries to export 6,274 products to the bloc at zero tariff.

1 min

Belle Seeks Gaming License for 2nd Casino Resort

Belle Corp., one of the portfolio investments of SM Investments Corp., hopes to secure a gaming license from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. this year to develop its second integrated resort and casino in the country.

1 min

Philippine Innovation Hub in Marikina to benefit startups

Marikina City took a major step toward becoming a national startup hub with the launch of the Philippine Innovation Hub on Wednesday.

1 min

SM Prime to Spend P25B for Pasay Reclamation Project

SM Prime Holdings Inc., the listed integrated property developer of the Sy family, is set to spend P25 billion this year for its ongoing reclamation project in Pasay City.

1 min

BSP mulls liability shifts as banks move beyond OTPs

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is preparing to shift liability onto banks that rely on outdated one-time passwords (OTPs) for digital authentication as more robust biometric verification systems gain traction in the financial sector.

2 mins

BSP mulls liability shifts as banks move beyond OTPs

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is preparing to shift liability onto banks that rely on outdated one-time passwords (OTPs) for digital authentication as more robust biometric verification systems gain traction in the financial sector.

2 mins

Pagcor earnings rise to P28 B in Q1

Earnings of state-run Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) rose by 11 percent to P28 billion in the first quarter on sustained performance of the gaming industry.

1 min

Farmers, fisherfolk protection in focus in US trade negotiations

The government has vowed to protect the interests of Filipino farmers and fishermen in its trade negotiations with the United States over the Western economy's reciprocal tariffs, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said.

1 min

Level up your life: Inside the sustainable, employee-first JPMorgan Chase Center in Uptown Bonifacio

The recently opened JPMorgan Chase Center stands out as a great example of thoughtfully designed workspaces, enhanced with sustainability features to significantly elevate the lives of its employees.

3 mins

Level up your life: Inside the sustainable, employee-first JPMorgan Chase Center in Uptown Bonifacio

The recently opened JPMorgan Chase Center stands out as a great example of thoughtfully designed workspaces, enhanced with sustainability features to significantly elevate the lives of its employees.

3 mins

Optimism Amid Philippine Property's Dynamism

This is the conclusion of my piece for the Property Report. I already discussed how tenants and landlords are recalibrating to capture demand in a constantly evolving Metro Manila office market.

3 mins

Wilcon Depot Celebrates the Mother's Touch

ROSE TO THE OCCASION

3 mins

MOST POWERFUL AUDI SUV EVER: THE NEW RS Q8 PERFORMANCE

Developed by Audi Sport, it holds the Nurburgring lap record for production SUVs

2 mins

The Mercedes-Benz Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles Premiere This May

A bold new era of sustainable luxury is on the horizon.

2 mins

The Mercedes-Benz Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles Premiere This May

A bold new era of sustainable luxury is on the horizon.

2 mins

The All-New X3 Is the Embodiment of BMW's Driving Ethos

BMW wasn't always a mainstream brand. Back in the 60s and 70s, they were known more for sporty coupes like the 1600, 2002, and the first-generation 3 Series (E21).

5 mins

Condura Earns Gold in Reader's Digest Trusted Brand Awards

Concepcion Durables Inc. (Condura), a wholly owned subsidiary of Concepcion Industrial Corp., has been awarded Gold at the prestigious 27th Reader's Digest Trusted Brands Awards in the appliance category.

1 min

New Clark City Hosts $33M Solar Facility

The subsidiary of Singapore-based renewable energy developer Gurin Energy Pte. Ltd. is building a $33-million solar photovoltaic power plant in New Clark City in Tarlac.

1 min

Ayala Bringing In More Foreign Retailers To Phl

Conglomerate Ayala Corp. plans to expand its presence in the country's robust retail market by bringing into the Philippines more new foreign concepts following its successful partnership with Australian home and lifestyle brand Anko.

2 mins

BingoPlus Foundation Scales Up National Impact With P150-M Grant

BingoPlus Foundation, the social development arm of gaming firm DigiPlus Interactive, has received a P150 million funding to scale up its community programs nationwide.

2 mins

UnionBank Income Hits P1.4 B in Q1

Union Bank of the Philippines posted a 30-percent drop in net income in the first quarter of 2025 as one-time expenses weighed on its bottom line, even as revenues continued to grow.

1 min

A Brown unit buys 25% interest in diagnostics lab

A Brown Co. Inc. is investing in a specialized diagnostics and product safety laboratory based in Laguna to expand its integrated service offerings to clients across various sectors.

1 min

Epy Quizon Looks Back on Memories With Late Dad Dolphy at Dolphy Theater

Jeffrey \"Epy\" Quizon recalled his fondest memory at the Dolphy Theater with his late father, \"King of Comedy,\" Dolphy. Named after Dolphy, the structure located at ABS-CBN Compound in Quezon City is reportedly part of the properties set to be demolished following the purchase of Ayala Land, Inc., of a portion of ABS-CBN Corporation property.

3 mins

Director Nijel De Mesa promotes Filipino stories through NDM Studios

With his passion for directing and writing, it seems natural for Nijel De Mesa to lead an independent multimedia studio, like NDM Studios. He sits as its chairman and CEO.

2 mins

Sef Cadayona to portray Alex Calleja on 'Magpakailanman'

Witness the life story of standup comedian and comedy writer Alex Calleja, and how his painful past inspires him to bring joy and laughter, on GMA's award-winning drama anthology \"Magpakailanman.\"

1 min

After Binibini, Gabrielle Basiano Now Reigns as President of Non-Profit Organization

Former beauty queen Gabrielle Basiano continues to dazzle on and off the stage after her reign as Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental 2022.

2 mins

Commission on Population and Development commends Drew Arellano for undergoing vasectomy

Kapuso host Drew Arellano received praises from a local government agency on population management after revealing that he recently underwent a vasectomy as a special gift to wife Iya Villania ahead of Mother's Day.

1 min

After Binibini, Gabrielle Basiano Now Reigns as President of Non-Profit Organization

Former beauty queen Gabrielle Basiano continues to dazzle on and off the stage after her reign as Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental 2022.

2 mins

Silversea X CITTI Elite: An 'adventure reveal'

During their recent \"adventure reveal\" at the Grand Hyatt in Taguig City, CITTI Elite president and CEO Shan Dioquino David and Takanobu \"Koba\" Kobayakawa, Silversea's director of sales for Asia, connected the dots in the ocean of the planet we call home — by unveiling over 900 destinations on all seven continents in the world.

3 mins

Judy Ann Santos & the value of 15 minutes

Young superstar Judy Ann Santos arrived at the awards night of the 3rd St. Vincent College of Cabuyao Film Festival determined to encourage student-filmmakers to dream, to inspire them that \"everything that starts small becomes big—in time.\"

2 mins

THE ACTORS OF ‘LIWANAG SA DILIM’ URGE US TO REVISIT THE PAST TO MAKE SENSE OF THE PRESENT

We have a rich history. With how fast-paced life has become, along with the rise of disinformation and historical revisionism, we often forget the importance of looking back at our past to guide us in making a better future.

7 mins

EVER BILENA'S FACE POWDER GETS A K-POP GLOW WITH CHOI BO-MIN

Ever Bilena, the Philippines' leading cosmetics brand, introduces South Korean actor and K-pop idol Choi Bo-min as the newest face of its latest campaign. The collaboration was unveiled through a surprise launch featuring Ever Bilena's best-selling EB Face Powder, which has sold over one million units online alone.

1 min

GROWING UP. GLOWING UP WITH K-BEAUTY

It started with a face mask. Or maybe a cushion foundation. A whiff of ginseng in a moisturizer.

4 mins

HOW THE NEWS HAS CHANGED

When I first became a campus journalist, one statement never left my mind as I went on to pursue a BA Communication degree: \"The news is supposed to be boring.\" I understood it quickly, and I believed it.

2 mins

LSTA STUDENTS DOMINATE NEPPESA DIVISION MATH QUIZ BEE

Lasal Tech Academy, Inc. (LSTA) students rose to the top as their group emerged as the overall champion in the Mathematics category during the recently concluded Nueva Ecija Private Pre-Elementary and Elementary Schools Association (NEPPESA) Quiz Bee held at Holy Rosary Colleges Foundation last March 14, 2025.

2 mins

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