The Philippine Star - May 08, 2025

In this issue

May 08, 2025

Conclave Starts To Pick New Pope

Vatican City — Roman Catholic cardinals began the task on Wednesday of electing a new pope, locking themselves away from the world until they choose the man they hope can unite a diverse but divided global Church.

4 mins

ICC Rejects Rody Camp's Plea to Remove 2 Judges

International Criminal Court pre-trial judges have dismissed the petition of lawyers of former president Rodrigo Duterte to \"excuse\" two judges from adjudicating the defense team's challenge to the ICC's jurisdiction over the case.

3 mins

QC vendor's son is PMA class valedictorian

A difficult childhood in the slums of Tasan Hills in Quezon City spurred 23-year-old Jessie Ticar Jr. to top the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) graduating class of 2025.

3 mins

Batangas lawmaker, others face DQ cases

For her presence on at least two occasions wherein government cash assistance was being distributed, Batangas Rep. Jinky Luistro may be barred from seeking reelection, in what could be the first \"ayuda-related\" case against a candidate in the coming mid-term elections.

1 min

PNP Chief Sacks 2 Cops Moonlighting for Paolo Duterte

Two police officers allegedly moonlighting as security escorts for Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte have been ordered dismissed by Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Marbil.

2 mins

Alyansa bets projected to win big — OCTA

Eight senatorial candidates of administration-backed Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas have a \"very high\" chance of \"winning big\" in the May 12 midterm elections, an OCTA Research official said.

2 mins

BBM: Poll outcome to steer Phl's direction

Saying that the upcoming polls would steer the country's direction, President Marcos yesterday urged residents of vote-rich Bulacan to support the senatorial bets of the Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas, during the penultimate campaign rally of the administration-backed coalition.

2 mins

Alyansa

\"Our problem is, we know the one independent most likely is (broadcaster) Ben Tulfo.

2 mins

Comelec forms 'keyboard warriors' vs disinformation

It's tit for tat against purveyors of fake news for the Commission on Elections (Comelec), which has organized its own \"keyboard warriors\" — of truth tellers.

4 mins

BBM Orders Probe into China Dredging, Reclamation Projects

President Marcos has ordered a probe into China's dredging activities in the wake of reports that sand gathered from various Philippine towns was used for its reclamation activities in the West Philippine Sea.

2 mins

US Army Pacific assures Phl of alliance

Days before an international forum in Hawaii on land forces in the Pacific, the United States military has again reassured the Philippines of its firm defense commitment in the face of China's untrammeled bullying, coercion and other acts of aggression at sea.

2 mins

Cryptocurrency ransom payment signals shadow economy infiltration

The P200-million ransom paid in the form of e-wallets and cryptocurrency platforms in the kidnapping of businessman Anson Que presents a \"deep and alarming national security threat\" as it managed to \"infiltrate\" the government's financial system, Rep. Robert Ace Barbers warned.

1 min

LPA weakens; rains to persist

Moderate to heavy rains are projected across several regions after a low-pressure area monitored near Pulupandan, Negros Occidental further weakened, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

1 min

ICC Rejects

The prosecution contested the request.

3 mins

Teodoros Deny Buying Votes in Marikina

Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro and his wife, city first district Rep. Marjorie Ann Teodoro, yesterday refuted allegations of vote buying.

1 min

NBI chief, vloggers' lawyers hold dialogue

Out of 40 content creators subpoenaed by the National Bureau of Investigation amid the proliferation of fake news, only five lawyers representing the vloggers appeared at the NBI yesterday.

1 min

DOTr reopens PUVMP consolidation

Drivers of public utility vehicles are allowed to join existing cooperatives anew as part of the PUV modernization program.

1 min

MMDA: No number coding on May 12

The number coding scheme in the metropolis will be lifted on election day, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced yesterday.

1 min

Text Blasters Owned by Chinese Found in QC

Authorities discovered text blasters and other scamming devices owned by a Chinese national after a fire broke out at his rented house in Quezon City on Tuesday.

1 min

Continued Motorcycle Taxi Operations Set

Motorcycle taxi operations are set to continue as the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is preparing to issue an order ensuring their legality.

1 min

Robina on recent kidnappings, retirement

EYES WIDE OPEN

3 mins

Saved

FIRST PERSON

3 mins

Decoration only?

EDITORIAL

2 mins

BenHur and the Senate polls

VIRTUAL REALITY

4 mins

Essays on Philippine Identity

BREAKTHROUGH

3 mins

We are the Ocean

From the 9th to the 13th of June, 2025, France will co-host, with Costa Rica, Conference (UNOC3).

2 mins

Impunity for friends, fear for critics

World view

1 min

Most challenging election

Thoughts to guide us by

1 min

2 Chinese Nabbed for Kidnap of 5 Men

Two Chinese nationals who were allegedly among seven men who kidnapped their two compatriots, a South Korean and two Filipinos in Batangas last Friday have been arrested in Bacoor, Cavite.

1 min

Lucy Torres Files DQ Case vs Kerwin Espinosa

Ormoc Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez has filed a disqualification case against mayoral aspirant Kerwin Espinosa of Albuera, Leyte for alleged violation of the Omnibus Election Code.

1 min

Comelec Defends Accuracy of ACMs

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday defended the accuracy of its automated counting machines following reports of a glitch during the final testing and sealing of ACMs in Davao City.

1 min

Merz elected German chancellor after surprise setback

Germany's conservative leader Friedrich Merz won a nail-biting second parliamentary vote on Tuesday to become chancellor following a first-round setback.

1 min

Motown legend Smokey Robinson accused of sexual assault, rape

Four former housekeepers of Smokey Robinson allege in a lawsuit filed on Tuesday that the Motown music luminary repeatedly sexually assaulted and raped them while they worked for him.

1 min

Aid Agencies Slam Israeli Plans for Gaza Aid Distribution

Aid agencies have criticized Israeli plans to take over distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza and use private companies to get food to families after two months in which the military has prevented supplies from entering the enclave.

1 min

Carney Tells Trump: Canada 'Never for Sale'

WASHINGTON (AFP)—Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told US President Donald Trump on Tuesday that his country would \"never (be) for sale\" as they met at the White House amid tensions on tariffs

1 min

US, Houthis agree to ceasefire - Oman

The United States and Yemen's Houthis have agreed to a ceasefire, mediators announced Tuesday, saying the deal would ensure \"freedom of navigation\" in the Red Sea where the Iran-backed rebels have attacked shipping for months.

1 min

India Strikes Pakistan Over Tourist Killings

Islamabad Says India Jets Downed

1 min

ROS WEATHERS STORM

DATU, NOCUM LEAD E-PAINTERS PAST BOSSING

1 min

Haliburton sinks Cavs, Warriors down Wolves

The Indiana Pacers defeated the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers 120-119 as the Golden State Warriors shrugged off a Stephen Curry injury to claim victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves, 99-88, in the NBA playoffs on Tuesday.

1 min

Big plans for PBA

The PBA's 50th season will kick off with a grand reunion of the league's players from when the league started in 1975, but Commissioner Willie Marcial said there are other landmark plans on the table to make it an even more memorable anniversary.

1 min

Bulldogs salvage 10th straight finals

And the National U dynasty is still standing (SMART ARANETA COLISEUM) GAMES ON SUNDAYLeo Ordiales fired 20 points while Jade Disquitado added 14 as NU erased the nine consecutive finals appearances of Santo Tomas in the 90s to 2000s from Season 57.

1 min

Agri production grows nearly 2% in 3 months

The country's agricultural output grew by almost two percent year-on-year in the first quarter, driven by sustained expansion in poultry production and recovery of the crops sector.

2 mins

BSP rate cut looms as inflation slows

Following the sharp deceleration in the consumer price index (CPI), analysts are turning more optimistic on the inflation outlook and see more room for the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to start cutting interest rates, possibly sooner and deeper than earlier expected.

2 mins

Jobless rate rises to 3.9% in March

The country's unemployment rate went up slightly in March from the previous month, while the quality of jobs deteriorated, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

2 mins

Easing Tariff Tensions, Slower Inflation Fuel Market Climb

The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index grew by 0.73 percent or 46.76 points to end at 6,465.45 yesterday.

1 min

PHL Debt Further Rises to P16.68 T in March

The country's total outstanding debt climbed to a fresh high of P16.68 trillion as of end-March, 12 percent higher than last year's P14.93 trillion, the Bureau of the Treasury said.

1 min

Gaming Revenues Up 27% to P104 B in Q1

E-games overtake casinos for first time

1 min

Low inflation and unemployment, high growth and trade

While the coming elections on Monday, May 12, is largely about personalities, economic issues also play a big part in campaign debates.

3 mins

Megaworld scales up income in 3 months

Property giant Megaworld Corp. started the year on a high note with a 16-percent jump in profit to P5.83 billion in the first quarter from a year ago.

2 mins

Quiet, consistent and proven public service

As the 2025 midterm elections approach, the political arena grows louder — filled with the clamor of aspirants and re-electionists, each presenting their credentials, platforms and promises.

3 mins

Jobless

Sectors that saw the biggest month-on-month increases in employment in March were administrative and support service activities (182,000), education (157,000), manufacturing (115,000), information and communication (100,000), as well as accommodation and food service activities (98,000).

1 min

Agri From B1

Fausto added that the sustained growth of the poultry sector indicates the growing demand of Filipino consumers for more affordable animal protein amid elevated prices of pork due to lackluster domestic output.

1 min

Factory output contracts at slower pace in March

Philippine manufacturing activity declined at a slower pace in March from the previous month due to higher production of food, transport equipment and electronic products.

1 min

SM Investments Builds Up Q1 Profit to P20B

SM Prime Maps Long-Term Growth Plan

2 mins

That Jackie Lou Thanked Her

It's hard to decide if Ricky Davao was better as an actor or as a friend because he excelled at being both. Award-winning on screen and award-worthy off screen.

3 mins

'PBB' houseguests bring happiness to housemates

Aside from the housemates as fixtures of \"Pinoy Big Brother\" (PBB), the house of Kuya has also welcomed houseguests that stayed for a specific time or days.

3 mins

Prince Harry wants reconciliation with his family

The rift between Prince Harry and his family has burst into the open again with the prince's raw television interview after losing a court case over his security.

3 mins

Hold the Good Vibes: Toto Stages Magical 2025 Manila Concert

After 17 years, Filipino fans were ready to sing and dance to Toto again.

3 mins

Chocnut Espresso Latte, 'Kiniling' Caesar Salad and Other New Cool Finds in Baguio

MILLIE: On our most recent visit to Baguio, a new discovery was Cafe Stella, found in Barangay 733, Ambuklao Road, Itogon, Benguet, which had a breathtaking view and was surrounded by towering peaks and lush foliage.

2 mins

Hibachi Large Plates for Sharing, Reimagined Maki and Sashimi at Kiwami

Labang Town Center's Japanese Master Kitchens is back, offering irresistible additions to its meticulously curated menu. Kiwami Alabang Town Center (ATC), which opened on Sept. 1, 2023, relaunched last April 21, 2025 with elegant new interiors and a bold, extensive selection, putting Japanese fine casual dining on an entirely different level.

2 mins

STARLIGHT, NUSTAR BRIGHT

How do you out-luxe a 5-star luxury hotel? For Nustar Resort & Casino Cebu, which celebrates its third anniversary all this month, you start by opening the grand Nustar Hotel with 233 rooms situated on its sprawling 22-acre property (that's adjacent to the 5-star Fili hotel which opened May 2022, and the Grand Summit hotel set to open end of 2027).

5 mins

Worry-free Travels for Hyundai Customers with Updated Roadside Assistance Coverage

Hyundai Motor Philippines Inc. (HMPH) continues working towards its promise to ensure customers' safe travels by updating its Roadside Assistance program.

1 min

Drive the all-new Hyundai Elantra and more at the 2025 Auto Focus Summer Test Drive Festival

At the recently concluded 2025 Manila International Auto Show, Hyundai Motor Philippines (HMPH) got people on notice by bringing back a beloved nameplate, the Elantra sedan, amidst a saturated market full of crossovers and electrified vehicles.

2 mins

MG Motor Philippines to Showcase Lineup at the STV Summer Test Drive Festival 2025

AIC Motor Philippines, the exclusive distributor of MG vehicles in the Philippines, is excited to announce its participation in the STV Summer Test Drive Festival—STV's annual event at the MOA Concert Grounds, from May 8 to 11, 2025.

1 min

Experience the Future of Driving at the Summer Test Drive Festival

The automotive world is evolving, and more drivers are reaping the benefits that come with hybrid and electric vehicles.

1 min

Check out the new Special Edition Ford Everest and Ford Ranger at the 2025 Auto Focus Test Drive Festival

Apart from awarding members of the motoring media during the 24th Henry Ford Awards, Ford also used the event to unveil new variants for their popular steeds – the Everest and Ranger.

1 min

Enjoy Newly Launched Vehicles at Auto Focus Test Drive Festival

Heading into summer vacation season, car manufacturers and distributors rolled out their latest vehicles, perfect for families planning road trips to the provinces.

1 min

Mitsubishi Brings the X Factor at the 2025 Auto Focus Summer Test Drive Festival

Mitsubishi is surging in the charts last quarter and they are sustaining that momentum by joining the 2025 Auto Focus Summer Test Drive Festival.

2 mins

BYD and ACMobility Energize Cebu and the Visayas: A Dual Push Toward an Electrified Future

Coordinated efforts bring expanded EV charging networks and dealership access to power the region's move to electric mobility.

3 mins

Experience Honda Cars Philippines' offerings at the 2025 Auto Focus Summer Test Drive Festival

Buying a brand-new vehicle is always one of the biggest decisions one could make, especially with all the factors involved such as financing, living with it, maintenance, and even just the quirks of the car in general.

1 min

Isuzu Philippines Breaks Ground for Landmark 50th Dealership in Mandaluyong City

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC), in partnership with its trusted dealer group ICONIC Dealership, Inc. (IDI), marked a significant milestone with the groundbreaking of its upcoming dealership, Isuzu Mandaluyong, strategically located along the bustling Shaw Boulevard.

2 mins

Suzuki Auto PH Brings Full Lineup At 2025 Auto Focus Summer Test Drive Festival

Suzuki Auto Philippines is rolling out its full lineup of vehicles at the 2025 Auto Focus Summer Test Drive Festival, happening this weekend at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds.

1 min

OMODA and JAECOO Philippines expands reach with new Sta. Rosa dealership, brings service closer to more Filipinos in Southern Luzon

Newly opened OMODA & JAECOO Sta. Rosa dealership offers a full range of after-sales services, from routine maintenance to diagnostics and repairs

2 mins

Nissan Kicks e-POWER Gets Reimagined at the Meeting of Styles

Nissan Philippines joins the global celebration of creativity and artistic expression

1 min

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