The Philippine Star - May 09, 2025

In this issue

May 09, 2025

Pagasa Issues Thunderstorm Safety Tips

With many deaths attributed to lightning strikes across the country, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued safety tips during thunderstorms as the country transitions to the rainy season.

1 min

Comelec DQs Pasig bet over sexist remarks

Pasig congressional candidate Christian Sia has been disqualified from the May 12 midterm polls due to his sexist remarks about single mothers and body shaming of his former female assistant.

2 mins

Pope Leo XIV, 1st American Pontiff

Vatican City—Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected in a surprise choice to be the new leader of the Catholic Church on Thursday, taking the name Leo XIV, becoming the first US pontiff.

2 mins

China ships harass PH Navy vessel in WPS

WASHINGTON (AFP) - A federal judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked the Trump administration from expelling Asian migrants including Filipinos to war-torn Libya after an emergency appeal from the would-be deportees' lawyers.

3 mins

US Judge Blocks Deportation of Pinoys to Libya

A federal judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked the Trump administration from expelling Asian migrants, including Filipinos, to war-torn Libya after an emergency appeal from the would-be deportees' lawyers.

1 min

BIR Reminds Candidates to Declare Unused Campaign Funds

As the campaign period winds down, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has reminded candidates to declare unused election funds so they could be subject to income tax.

1 min

Comelec: Foreign observers not allowed in poll precincts

Foreign observers are not allowed to enter polling precincts on election day, according to the Commission on Elections.

5 mins

Gov't adopts nat'l action plan for unity, peace

The Marcos administration has adopted a nationwide action plan aimed at addressing the roots of the decades-old communist insurgency and achieving sustainable and inclusive peace.

2 mins

Senate Reviews Stronger Senior High Program

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian yesterday led a review of the Department of Education's plan to strengthen the senior high school (SHS) program.

1 min

ICC prosecutor: No proof showing 'perceived bias' of judges

For International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Karim Khan, the defense team of former president Rodrigo Duterte failed to demonstrate what they claimed were the \"perceived bias\" of two of the three pre-trial judges handling the case.

3 mins

China

AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the latest incident occurred approximately 11.8 nautical miles southeast of Panatag Shoal.

2 mins

Pork retail price reaches 480/kilo

The retail price of pork has reached as high as P480 per kilo despite the implementation of maximum suggested retail price (SRP) for pork products.

1 min

Grab PH, MOVE IT, COMELEC Champion Voter Education for a Stronger, More Inclusive Democracy

As a committed partner of Filipinos in nation-building, Grab Philippines and local motorcycle taxi platform MOVE IT have partnered with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to launch #RIDETOVOTE—a two-phase voter education and empowerment campaign ahead of the May 12 midterm elections.

2 mins

Teachers not backing out of poll duty

Threats are not the reason why some teachers have backed out from poll duties, according to the Commission on Elections.

1 min

Money talks

SKETCHES

3 mins

Exemption deception

CTALK

4 mins

Suggested prices

EDITORIAL

1 min

Cyberwar vs online election threats

COMMONSENSE

4 mins

When the magic endures

ROSES & THORNS

3 mins

DOJ: Anson Que son still on kidnap case list

Ason of Anson Que has yet to be dropped from the list of respondents in the kidnapslay of the steel magnate, the Department of Justice announced yesterday.

1 min

Vlogger cop kicked out of PNP

Vlogger policeman Francis Steve Fontillas has been dismissed from the service after the National Police Commission (Napolcom) found him guilty of administrative offenses for criticizing President Marcos and the Philippine National Police (PNP) over the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

1 min

DA to roll out P20 rice in MM after polls

Starting May 13, the Department of Agriculture (DA) will start selling rice for P20 per kilo in 32 Kadiwa outlets in Metro Manila.

1 min

740 bus workers undergo drug test

As authorities move to prevent fatal road crashes, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has subjected 740 drivers and conductors of a bus company to mandatory drug testing.

1 min

Bulacan road mishap leaves 2 dead

Two motorcycle riders died while another was injured following a collision in Bocaue in this province on Wednesday.

1 min

124 Quakes Logged at Taal Volcano

Up to 124 earthquakes were recorded at Taal Volcano in Batangas yesterday, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

1 min

6 Arrested for Posing as NBI Agents

Six people, including a dismissed police officer, were arrested for allegedly posing as agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and possession of illegal firearms in Pakil, Laguna yesterday.

1 min

2 Chinese Caught Carrying Spy Equipment

Two Chinese nationals were arrested for alleged possession of electronic equipment believed capable of intercepting information from phones and other communication devices in Baliwag, Bulacan yesterday.

1 min

Central Luzon Poll Hotspots Now 16

Two more election areas of concern have been identified in Central Luzon, bringing the number of poll hotspots in the region to 16, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

1 min

Taiwan, marking Victory in Europe Day anniversary, highlights China threats

Taiwan marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day on Thursday by making broad comparisons to threats from China, whose leader Xi Jinping was in Russia for commemorations as Moscow continues its invasion of Ukraine.

1 min

Trump to announce 'trade deal' with UK

The United States and Britain were reportedly set to announce a trade agreement on Thursday that could have implications for US President Donald Trump's tariffs assault, but the scope of the deal could be limited.

1 min

Taiwan, marking Victory in Europe Day anniversary, highlights China threats

Taiwan marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day on Thursday by making broad comparisons to threats from China, whose leader Xi Jinping was in Russia for commemorations as Moscow continues its invasion of Ukraine.

1 min

Netanyahu casts doubt on fate of 3 Gaza hostages

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday cast doubt over the fate of three captives held in Gaza since Hamas' October 2023 attack, after US President Donald Trump earlier announced that number had died.

1 min

Man who crashed car into Aniston's home charged with stalking

Prosecutors said Wednesday that a Mississippi man who harassed Jennifer Aniston (in photo) for two years before crashing his vehicle through the front gate of the \"Friends\" star's Los Angeles home has been charged with felony stalking and vandalism.

1 min

Netanyahu casts doubt on fate of 3 Gaza hostages

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday cast doubt over the fate of three captives held in Gaza since Hamas' October 2023 attack, after US President Donald Trump earlier announced that number had died.

1 min

Man who crashed car into Aniston's home charged with stalking

Prosecutors said Wednesday that a Mississippi man who harassed Jennifer Aniston (in photo) for two years before crashing his vehicle through the front gate of the \"Friends\" star's Los Angeles home has been charged with felony stalking and vandalism.

1 min

SoKor: NoKor has fired missiles toward eastern waters

North Korea on Thursday fired various types of short-range ballistic missiles into its eastern sea, South Korea's military said, adding to a run in military displays that raised animosities in the region.

1 min

Mushroom murderer sent children to movies before deadly meal

An Australian woman accused of triple murder sent her children to the movies before serving up a toxic mushroom lunch that killed her guests, a court heard on Thursday.

1 min

Belen vs Canino: Fight for supremacy, legacy

The only Rookie-MVP winners in UAAP history meet again.

1 min

Eala chases doubles glory with Gauff

With a quick exit in the Italian Open singles, Alex Eala shifts focus on doubles in partnership with Coco Gauff of the United States.

1 min

Where will this Eagle land?

Will he stick it out in their Katipunan nest or land somewhere else?

1 min

2,800 Riders Expected in Shopwise Bikefest

Shopwise is set to rev up excitement for the 2025 Bikefest on May 18 at the Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus, Cavite, with organizers aiming to attract at least 2,800 cyclists, significantly surpassing last year's turnout of 2,443 participants.

1 min

What went wrong with NAIA's bollards?

Bollards are supposed to prevent vehicles from crashing into pedestrians, but this was not the case in the recent car crash at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1.

4 mins

Forex reserves dip to $104.6 B in April

The country's gross international reserves (GIR) fell to $104.6 billion in April as the government withdrew from its foreign currency deposits with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to meet external debt obligations and fund various expenditures.

2 mins

Economic Growth Falls Below Target

Still 2nd Fastest in Asia at 5.4%

5 mins

Stock Market Tumbles on Slower GDP Results

Share prices tumbled yesterday after the country's gross domestic product (GDP) expanded at a slower pace year-on-year in the first quarter.

1 min

Debt-to-GDP ratio rises to 2-year high 62%

MORE BORROWINGS, SLOWER ECONOMIC GROWTH

2 mins

ACEN earns P1.95 B in Q1

Ayala-led ACEN Corp. saw its earnings decline to P1.95 billion from January to March, weighed down by softer contributions from its domestic operations.

1 min

A Pope for our times

The death of Pope Francis was expected given his frail health. But I still received the news with shock and sadness.

4 mins

Asialink expands into real estate lending

Asialink Finance Corp. is venturing into real estate lending, offering fast processing and low-interest loans tailored for individuals and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

1 min

Higher Sales Push Vista Land Earnings in 2024

Higher revenues boosted core earnings of the Villar Group's listed property developer, Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc., by 11 percent to P9.36 billion last year from P8.45 billion in 2023.

1 min

DA remains optimistic on record palay harvest

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is banking on higher yield to hit its record-high target palay production this year of 20.46 million metric tons (MT) despite a relatively flat output in the first quarter.

1 min

MPIC Starts Year With Higher Profit

Metro Pacific Investment Corp. (MPIC) kicked off 2024 with a double-digit growth in core earnings during the first quarter.

1 min

Bank lending growth slows to 11.8% in March

Credit growth eased for a second straight month in March, with loans extended by universal and commercial banks growing by just 11.8 percent year-on-year, driven by slower demand from key production sectors.

2 mins

The importance of mothers

This Sunday, most of us will be observing Mother's Day, the one special day that we honor the woman who gave us life while risking her own life for nine long months.

3 mins

Fintech without borders

We are living through the most transformative era in financial services.

4 mins

D&L Posts Higher Income in Q1

Uncertainties surrounding US tariff policies are keeping D&L Industries Inc. cautious, but it remains optimistic that its growing exports will remain as a key growth driver for the company.

1 min

Firms plan IT upgrade amid growing AI threat

Upgrading cybersecurity walls is one of the priorities of Philippine companies this year, as they face the threat of data breaches due to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI).

1 min

STT GDC Investing $1.56B for QC, Cavite Data Centers

The data center arm of the Ayala Group has invested up to $1.56 billion for the construction of new data hubs in Metro Manila and Cavite, banking on booming demand for digital infrastructure.

1 min

OceanaGold earnings drop on lower gold output

Australian-Canadian mining firm OceanaGold Philippines Inc. (OGPI) earned almost 36 percent less in the first quarter as revenues dropped due to lower gold output.

1 min

PRA's Retail Convention Features Game Changers

The Philippine Retailers Association (PRA), the country's national organization for retailers and suppliers, is staging the highly anticipated National Retail Conference and Expo (NRCE) on July 31 to Aug. 1 at the SMX Convention Center Manila.

1 min

Robinsons Land spending up to P125B in next 5 years

Gokongwei-led real estate developer Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC) is preparing to spend as much as P125 billion over the next five years to fund initiatives that will expand and diversify its investment portfolio.

1 min

Economic

Investment grew by four percent in the first quarter, slower than the previous quarter's 5.5 percent expansion, but faster than the 0.8 percent growth in the first quarter last year.

3 mins

Robinsons Land spending up to P125 B in next 5 years

Gokongwei-led real estate developer Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC) is preparing to spend as much as P125 billion over the next five years to fund initiatives that will expand and diversify its investment portfolio.

1 min

LACOSTE ORIGINAL The New Fragrance

\"RENĒ DID IT FIRST\" From the first polo shirt and clothing logo to the first steel racket and tennis ball machine, these four words embody the essence of the Lacoste brand and celebrate the pioneering spirit of its founder.

2 mins

LOLA AMOUR'S DANCE WITH MY MISTAKES IS AN ODE TO SECOND CHANCES

I used to think of shame whenever I made mistakes. Whether I had committed them consciously or not, whether shallow or deep, I always felt embarrassed. Fortunately, these days I no longer put myself in that box. I skim my playlist, pick a banger song, and shimmy my way through it.

4 mins

Carl & Gi-Anne Ramirez's wedding:

The beauty of the world is right beside me

3 mins

INNERVOICES BACK TO THEIR ORIGINAL FORM

Now that InnerVoices has a new frontman in the person of Patrick Marcelino, the six-man band led by lawyer and founder Rey Bergado, has returned to its true, original form.

4 mins

M2M'S REUNION BRINGS 'BETTER ENDING' FOR THE DUO AND THEIR PINOY FANS

LONG BEFORE THE ADVENT of music streaming apps, at a time when listening to music meant putting on a CD or a cassette tape, there was M2M, the dynamic duo who dominated the airwaves in the late '90s and early 2000s.

4 mins

Hollywood banks on superheroes to power summer 2025 box office

Superman already has a lot on his broad shoulders. It seems unfair to add the fate of Hollywood to his worries.

6 mins

MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS TO FASHION

It's all in the genes, people often say, when a mother and daughter just look so impossibly stylish, individually and even more so when together.

3 mins

Work-from-home Super Nanays

AboitizPower, Elevate AIDA helps upskill stay-at-home moms in Bukidnon

4 mins

Taking care of Emy

At 97, she reads without glasses, and plays word games on her iPad with a passion; she follows Netflix and watches the news with tart commentary. She will never make it to the society pages, but she's the biggest star in our small stretch of sky.

4 mins

Cascaia, Vista Land Spanish-Inspired Estate Shines a Light on San Fernando Lantern-Making Heritage

Rooted in the religious observance of lubenas, the lanterns of San Fernando, Pampanga were once implements of bamboo and papel de japon. A solemn tribute to the Star of Bethlehem, the flicker of the humble parul Sampernandu led the way for faithful devotees. The advent of electricity sparked a wave of innovation, giving rise to Ligligan Parul—the annual Giant Lantern Festival that furthered local artistry. Vista Land, the Philippines' leading integrated property developer, keeps the light alive by building an integrated community that safeguards the spirit of San Fernando—where the convergence of creativity and community will always prevail. Introducing Cascaia, a prime development of Vista Estates.

2 mins

Ready for mom's day out

We often hear the phrase, \"Mother knows best\"—and believe me, many will find it hard to argue with that.

2 mins

Raised by Design: Inspirations from a mother-architect

We all have our mothers to thank for the people we've become. They shape our earliest experiences, values, and habits—molding us in both subtle and profound ways.

3 mins

Making sense of investing in the Queen City of the South

Cebu has long been known for its white-sand beaches, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. But today, it stands out not just as a travel hotspot, but as one of the most promising places to live and invest in the Philippines.

2 mins

A blessing for greener living: CBDI's Paseo de Lipa makes sustainability accessible

Property Report recently attended the blessing of Paseo de Lipa's house models and East Entry Plaza in Lipa City, Batangas, an event that signaled more than just a construction milestone.

1 min

Aruga Resort and Residences - Mactan: The New Standard in Coastal Property Investment

As Mactan emerges as a prime destination for lifestyle and investment, Aruga Resort and Residences - Mactan stands out with 270 meters of private beachfront, refined design, and Rockwell's signature touch—offering a rare and lasting coastal opportunity.

4 mins

From Motherhood to Masterpiece: Hazel's healing in art

Meet Hazel Imperial - Tan. She recently began dipping her paintbrushes to create vibrant paintings for spaces that need them the most. Hazel shares a remarkable story of how life's complexities mixed with creativity can lead you to some place beautiful.

2 mins

Motherhood and Mortgages: What every single mom should know before buying a home

Being a single mom means wearing many hats—provider, nurturer, protector, and decision-maker—often all before breakfast.

4 mins

Balancing Blueprints and Bedtime: A Mom's Journey in Architecture and Leadership

The design and construction industry stands at a crossroads—fighting to remain a driver of progress while also being one of the most environmentally destructive forces on the planet.

3 mins

SMDC at MOA: Leading the way in building the Philippines' first experience-centered city

Historically, cities have been built around commerce, governance, or industry.

2 mins

Building a Legacy: How Active Group Has Shaped Negros for Over 30 Years

For over five decades, Active Group of Companies—a leading real estate developer in the Philippines—has quietly shaped the country's landscape, crafting communities where life, growth, and connection flourish.

3 mins

Active Group Breaks Ground on Town & Country Rosario, Ushering in a New Era of Community Living in Batangas

The Active Group of Companies, a leading real estate company and top developer in the Philippines, officially held the groundbreaking ceremony for Town & Country Rosario, marking the start of development for its newest master-planned community in Rosario, Batangas.

2 mins

Homegrown dreams: How work-at-home moms are building empires without leaving the living room

Today's demanding world expects moms to do it all, and a growing number of Filipinas are showing that they can—all from the comfort of their own homes.

2 mins

Fur moms and pet-friendly living: What do pet parents want in a home?

All cat owners know you can't spell \"homeowner\" without \"meow.\" I know this well as a cat mom to four adorable felines, who have complete control of our household.

3 mins

Experience the Electric Movement at the 2025 Auto Focus Summer Test Drive Festival

Not everyone is car savvy. Choosing a car can be a daunting task for them.

1 min

Kia Drives Excitement at 2025 Auto Focus Festival

Kia Philippines is charging full speed ahead into the future of mobility as it returns to the Auto Focus Test Drive Festival from May 8 to 11, 2025, at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds, with a renewed push for its brand campaign, \"The Kia Movement.\"

2 mins

Porsche Panamera Elevates Performance-Driven Luxury

Whether combustion engine, hybrid or electric sports car Our customers can choose the power plant that works best for them

2 mins

5 things we love about the 2025 Suzuki Dzire

The 2025 Suzuki Dzire officially landed in the Philippines at the Manila International Auto Show.

3 mins

6 Days at the Heart of JETOUR Auto Reveals Unlimited Potentials for its Global Markets

From April 20 to 25, JETOUR Auto Global hosted over 200 members of the motoring media and social media influencers, and dealer representatives from across the world to witness firsthand the automaker's groundbreaking innovations in its vehicles, and the brand's relevant role in the future of mobility, during the JETOUR International Business Conference and the Auto Shanghai 2025.

4 mins

2025 DUCATI STREETFIGHTER V4S & V2S: TWO PERSONALITIES, ONE WILD FAMILY

Just when you thought the Ducati Streetfighter V4S couldn't get any crazier, Ducati said \"hold my beer\" and went on to crank things up for 2025.

5 mins

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