The Philippine Star - May 15, 2025

In this issue

May 15, 2025

'Win or lose, all bets must submit SOCES'

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued a firm reminder to all candidates, political parties and party-list groups, both winners and losers, to file their Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) by June 11 to avoid penalties.

2 mins

BBM ready to work with legit opposition, not 'obstructionists'

The Marcos administration is ready to work with the \"legitimate\" opposition to advance the interests of the nation, but would fight \"obstructionists\" who are derailing policies for their personal interests, Malacañang said yesterday.

2 mins

De Lima, Diokno Join Prosecutors in VP Sara Impeach Trial

Poised to join the House of Representatives as first nominee of the new Mamamayang Liberal (ML) party-list, former senator Leila de Lima has accepted the invitation of Speaker Martin Romualdez to serve as one of the prosecutors in the Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

2 mins

DENR: Recycle campaign materials

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga yesterday directed the Environment Management Bureau (EMB) to lead the collection, repurpose, reuse and recycle of campaign materials nationwide.

1 min

PPCRV records voter turnout of 80.27%

Most of the registered voters trooped to polling precincts last Monday, for an overall voter turnout of 80.27 percent, which a church-based election watchdog considered as \"very high,\" though slightly lower than in the previous national elections.

2 mins

Nat'l canvass finished today, says Comelec

The National Board of Canvassers (NBOC) intends to complete the canvassing of all 175 certificates of canvass (COCs) from different parts of the country and overseas today and potentially set the \"earliest\" proclamation of winning senators.

4 mins

Law strengthening early childhood care signed

President Marcos has signed Republic Act 12199, or the Early Childhood Care and Development System Act, which aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of early childhood education and care in the country.

3 mins

DA to lift pork max SRP amid low compliance

Amid low market compliance, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is set to lift the maximum suggested retail price (SRP) of pork products.

1 min

Pope Leo's climate advocacy lauded

Environmental groups in the Philippines have welcomed Pope Leo XIV's election amid his track record of climate advocacy.

1 min

Phl ranks 9th in Asia with pregnancy heat-risk

The Philippines ranked ninth in Asia in terms of pregnancy risk caused by extreme heat as a result of climate change over the last five years, a new study revealed.

2 mins

Maritime Council Says China Disinformation Still Rampant

China continues to resort to disinformation—aside from engaging in hostile acts—to promote its illegal claim in the West Philippine Sea, according to the National Maritime Council (NMC).

1 min

More Kadiwa Outlets, Markets Sell P20/Kilo Rice

Starting today, more Kadiwa outlets and markets in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon and Mimaropa will sell P20-a-kilo rice, according to the Department of Agriculture.

1 min

Comelec: File complaints if you saw discrepancies

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday encouraged voters who observed discrepancies during the recent midterm elections, such as mismatches between ballots and automated counting machine receipts, pre-shaded ballots or other irregularities, to pursue proper legal channels by filing formal complaints.

3 mins

Bato credits win to 'protest' votes

In his imminent return to the Senate for a second term, Sen. Ronald dela Rosa credited his strong showing in the midterm polls to \"protest\" votes fueled by public anger over the arrest and detention of former president Rodrigo Duterte in The Hague.

1 min

Isko Appeals for Calm, Healing

After winning by a landslide, Manila mayor-elect Isko Moreno has appealed for calm and healing following Monday's midterm elections.

1 min

NBI nabs man over Comelec bomb threat

A man who threatened to bomb the Commission on Elections (Comelec) central office in Manila has been arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation.

1 min

Belmonte to QC: Next 3 Years Will Be the Best

Following her victory in the midterm elections, reelected Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has promised to \"give everything\" during her third and final term as mayor.

1 min

Missing Vivamax actress, boyfriend surface

A Vivamax actress who was reported missing with her boyfriend for over a week surfaced last night.

1 min

Palace Eyes Higher Insurance Coverage for Private Cars

Following a series of deadly road crashes, President Marcos yesterday ordered the Department of Transportation to study a proposal to adopt the public utility vehicle (PUV) insurance system for private cars.

1 min

NBI seizes P55-M fake luxury items

Over P55 million worth of counterfeit luxury bags and shoes have been confiscated by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in three cities in Metro Manila.

1 min

Koko to Comelec: Resolve Teodoro DQ case swiftly

Outgoing Sen. Koko Pimentel III has called on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to immediately rule on the disqualification case filed against Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro.

1 min

Glitches

The absolute worst scenario did not happen.

3 mins

When dynasties (slowly) crumble

EYES WIDE OPEN

3 mins

SOCE filing time

EDITORIAL

1 min

Pakistan issues clarification

DIPLOMATIC POUCH

4 mins

History via 100 maps

BREAKTHROUGH

4 mins

An electoral tsunami

VIRTUAL REALITY

4 mins

In private, some Israeli officers admit Gaza is on brink of starvation

World view

2 mins

Incumbents, Dynasties Still Rule in Polls

Tacloban - Results of the newly concluded midterm elections in Eastern Visayas showed local voters still prefer the incumbents and members of known political families.

2 mins

Kanlaon's Recent Eruption Not Yet the Worst - Phivolcs

Communities around Kanlaon on Negros Island have yet to see the worst eruption of the volcano, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

1 min

Filipino Heritage Festival 2025 champions culture and legacy across the nation

The Filipino Heritage Festival Inc., has officially commenced and invites the public to immerse themselves in a nationwide cultural celebration throughout the month of May, in observance of National Heritage Month.

2 mins

Cruise Unleashes 'Mission: Impossible' Juggernaut at Cannes

Tom Cruise's \"Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning\" powered into the Cannes film festival for its premiere yesterday on a steamroller of hype.

1 min

US, China Slash Sweeping Tariffs

BEIJING (AFP) — The United States and China slashed sweeping tariffs on each other's goods for 90 days yesterday, after a temporary ceasefire in a brutal trade war that roiled global markets and international supply chains.

1 min

Pope Inherits Papal Social Media Accounts

His election may have been announced with white smoke, but Pope Leo XIV will communicate with the Catholic faithful on X and Instagram, the Vatican said on Tuesday.

1 min

Zelensky to wait for Putin in Turkey for talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday that he will be waiting for his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, in the Turkish capital this week to conduct face-to-face talks about the more than three-year war, amid heavy pressure from the US and European leaders to reach a settlement.

1 min

Scottish Parliament Approves Assisted Dying Bill in Key Vote

The Scottish parliament voted on Tuesday in favor of a bill that would allow people living in Scotland with a terminal illness to take their own lives, bringing the proposal a step closer to becoming a reality in the country.

1 min

Jeju Air crash families sue SoKor minister, airline boss

Families of victims of December's devastating plane crash in South Korea have filed a complaint against 15 people including the transport minister and the airline chief who they believe are responsible for the disaster that killed all but two of the 181 people on board.

1 min

Gilas unfazed by tough draw

The Philippines was relegated to what had to be the toughest bracket in the first round of the FIBA 2027 World Cup Asia qualifiers but Gilas assistant coach Sean Chambers, who attended Tuesday's draw in Doha, said that while the mission to advance is daunting, it's doable.

2 mins

No-contest ruling awaited

The word is the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) will declare the recent WBO superfeatherweight title fight between defending champion Emanuel Navarrete and Charly Suarez a no-contest as if it never happened.

2 mins

NU DYNASTY ESTABLISHED

The gates have opened for the new UAAP dynasty.

1 min

Sinner withstands Cerundolo

Jannik Sinner came through the first true test of his comeback from a doping ban with Tuesday's straight-sets win over Francisco Cerundolo which took the world No. 1 into the Italian Open quarterfinals.

1 min

Pacers oust Cavs, Nuggets on brink

The Indiana Pacers came from behind to send the Cleveland Cavaliers crashing out of the NBA playoffs on Tuesday as the Oklahoma City Thunder overcame a dazzling Nikola Jokic display to push the Denver Nuggets to the brink of elimination.

1 min

Sinner withstands Cerundolo

NLEX revved up early against Terrafirma to set the tone for an emphatic 117-87 romp in the PBA Philippine Cup last night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

1 min

Gov't bonds soon available on GCash

The government will make available the latest offering of retail Treasury bonds (RTBs) on e-wallet giant GCash early in the second half to cater to more retail investors and boost financial inclusion among Filipinos.

1 min

Gokongweis Mull Exit From Petrochemicals

AFTER PROLONGED PLANT SHUTDOWN

3 mins

Market Dips on Profit Taking

The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) inched down as investors cashed in on gains from Tuesday's rally that catapulted the market to its highest level in four months.

1 min

Meat Imports Rise 26% in 3 Months

The country's meat imports from January to March rose by more than a quarter on an annual basis to over 340,000 metric tons (MT), driven by higher purchases abroad of key items led by pork, latest government data showed.

1 min

SM Prime to put up more EV charging stations

RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITIES, LEISURE ESTATES

1 min

SM Store's quiet revolution: Sustainability through Social Good

In today's marketplace, sustainability has become a prized brand attribute.

4 mins

Filinvest Land Jumps to Strong Start in 2025

Strong residential sales, sustained leasing momentum and improved profitability across business segments boosted earnings of the Gotianun family's listed property developer Filinvest Land Inc. in the first quarter.

1 min

Silver Linings, Golden Opportunities

As the 2025 midterm elections draw to a close, nearly 100 percent of the votes from Comelec are already being tallied.

4 mins

Shell sets P6-B capex amid fierce competition

Oil player Shell Pilipinas Corp. (SPC) is setting aside up to P6 billion for capital spending over the next two years to stay competitive in an increasingly tight domestic market.

2 mins

LT Group Posts Best Q1 Performance Since 2013

LT Group Inc. (LTG) of taipan Lucio Tan delivered its best first-quarter performance since its follow-on public offering in 2013.

2 mins

ICTSI tops off Polish terminal upgrade

The Polish operations of International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) has completed the $42-million enhancement to its facility to set off its capacity expansion for larger vessels.

1 min

Gov't From B1

Bank and Land Bank of the Philippines. In November last year, the Treasury said government securities would be available on GCash to make investing easier and more accessible for the public.

1 min

Clark manager remits record-high dividends

The state-run manager of the Clark Civil Aviation Complex has transmitted its highest dividends ever to the government, thanks to higher profit it gained from commercial activities.

1 min

Core Businesses Pull Up MacroAsia Income in Q1

Aviation support service provider MacroAsia Corp. increased its profit by 21 percent in the first quarter, backed by double-digit growth in its core businesses.

1 min

Bloomberry Q1 profit rises as Solaire North gains ground

Bloomberry Resorts Corp. of tycoon Enrique Razon Jr. posted a substantial double-digit hike in earnings in the first quarter as the company's new integrated resort in Quezon City continues ramping up operations.

1 min

Energy storage redefining clean power shift

Energy storage is stepping into the spotlight of the country's green transition, with more companies making bold investments to unlock its game-changing potential.

3 mins

Phl going full throttle in green energy push

With the Philippines racing toward energy security, the government and private sector are shifting into high gear to power the nation with clean energy — one home at a time.

5 mins

Some Outlier Results in Senatorial Elections, No Blackout

I say \"outlier\" results in the May 12 Senatorial elections because of surprising strong ranking of Bam Aquino at second, Kiko Pangilinan at fifth and Dante Marcoleta at sixth places, when various surveys show they would not make it in the Top 12.

3 mins

Image Consultancy Highlighted at Global Conference in Manila

The image consulting industry is on a roll.

2 mins

BCDA Starts Bid Process for Mile Hi Property in CJH

State-run Bases and Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has started the competitive challenge process for the lease and redevelopment of the Mile Hi property in Camp John Hay in Baguio City.

2 mins

Asset sale, forex gains boost SMC's Q1 income

One-time gains from the partial sale of power assets and foreign exchange gains bolstered earnings of diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) in the first quarter, offsetting a decline in revenues recorded during the period.

1 min

EU GSP Utilization Hits Record-High 80% in 2024

The country's utilization of the European Union (EU)'s trade preference scheme continued to increase, hitting its highest level last year.

2 mins

DMCI Profit Slips on Flat Coal Prices, Cement Integration

Diversified engineering conglomerate DMCI Holdings saw a nine-percent drop in its net income to P5.1 billion in the first quarter from P5.6 billion in the same period last year on the back of lower contributions of integrated energy company Semirara Mining and Power Corp. (SMPC) and integration of its newly acquired cement business.

1 min

Emperador Ramps Up Global Expansion

Emperador Inc., the global brandy and whisky conglomerate led by tycoon Andrew Tan, is embarking on a global expansion over the next five years that will pave the way for a significant growth in the near future.

2 mins

Political Ads Quadruple GMA Income to P800M

Broadcast giant GMA Network Inc. recovered to growth mode in the first quarter of the year as it booked higher profit from the deluge of political ads for the midterm elections.

1 min

Filipino actors Kaitlyn Santa Juana and Teo Briones lead 'Final Destination Bloodlines' cast

\"The cast in this film is really unique,\" said co-director Zach Lipovsky about \"Final Destination Bloodlines,\" the latest movie in the fan-favorite horror franchise.

3 mins

BINI: FROM SALAMIN TO 'SALA AY AMIN'

ALL IN THE SPIRIT OF FUN, HERE ARE MY \"DOLLYISMS\" ON THE buzz du jour. Just for comic relief so \"bawal mapikon.\"

2 mins

MINSAN FEST CELEBRATES FILIPINO MUSIC ARTISTRY

Attending an Original Pilipino Music (OPM) festival that cuts across genres and features a dynamic lineup of headliners is enticing and exciting.

3 mins

Babyface brings 'Greatest Hits' concert to Manila

Thirteen-time Grammy award-winning artist Babyface is returning to Manila for a one-night-only concert showcasing his biggest hits through the decades.

1 min

The Great Revival

Cycling, both professionally and as a form of exercise or recreation, has been seeing a boom in recent years. On any given weekend, in the designated car-less areas of Metro Manila like in the Mall of Asia complex, Ayala Avenue, and, of course, the University of the Philippines Diliman Academic Oval, you would see a significant number of bikers and cyclists of all sizes and of all ages. Such is the love of the Filipino for the bicycle.

4 mins

WHEN BEING AN ARTIST IS IN YOUR BLOOD

When I finished high school, I told my parents I wanted to take fine arts at UP, but my father thumbed it down, saying that being an artist is no way to earn a living.

2 mins

THE WOMEN BEHIND SOULPHIL: HOW LOLA DORY AND MOM MARY SHAPED CHEF TIANA GEE'S RECIPES

Soul food to me is anything that fills your soul — not just Southern food,\" says chef Tiana Gee, sitting inside Japonesa in Poblacion.

4 mins

When Strength And Style Matter

Once you're bound for a new adventure, the fun is in the anticipation: the exciting destination, planning an itinerary and deciding what to take along with you.

3 mins

Donut Forget Sweet Memories

J.Co, the popular donut from Indonesia, is now on the lips and in the hearts of Filipinos.

2 mins

Pahiyas Food Festival' At The Manila Hotel

In celebration of the colorful Pahiyas Festival, The Manila Hotel's Café Ilang Ilang pays tribute to the rich culinary traditions of Quezon Province.

1 min

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