The Philippine Star - May 21, 2025

In this issue

May 21, 2025

VP Sara mum on Marcos reconciliation offer

Vice President Sara Duterte has remained silent on President Marcos' willingness to reconcile, as the start of her Senate impeachment trial inches closer and her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, remains detained in The Hague.

2 mins

DepEd: Shortage of teachers nationwide still at 30,000

The teacher shortage nationwide remains at approximately 30,000, despite the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) approving at least 16,000 new teaching positions, an official of the Department of Education said yesterday.

2 mins

BBM may join bicam budget deliberations

Following public uproar over the 2025 national budget, President Marcos is personally watching over the 2026 budget process and is even ready to sit at the bicameral conference committee to ensure that the outlay is aligned with government priorities and includes only shovel-ready projects, the budget department said yesterday.

1 min

Grassroots drug war: Gov't targets small-scale peddlers

Although his \"too nice\" attitude has been blamed for the government's shortcomings, President Marcos said he wants to instill fear among wrongdoers as he carries out his policies, including his anti-drug campaign that will now set its sights on small-scale peddlers at the grassroots level.

1 min

DMW Vows Thorough Probe on P1.4-B OWWA Land Deal

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is conducting a thorough investigation into the allegedly anomalous P1.4-billion land acquisition deal entered into by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration under former OWWA administrator Arnell Ignacio.

2 mins

Comelec Going After Bets With Campaign Materials Still Displayed

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will go after candidates in the recently held midterm polls whose campaign materials are still left hanging in public places.

2 mins

No tolerance for disrespect of Phl sovereignty - Marcos

The Philippines \"will never tolerate any act of disrespect against our sovereignty,\" President Marcos asserted on Tuesday as he led the commissioning of two modern vessels of the Philippine Navy in Subic, Zambales.

2 mins

US Senator Slams Raid on Pinoy Teachers' Home in Hawaii

Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii denounced the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid on the home of Filipino teachers in Kahului, Maui, and efforts to detain them, saying the raids are clearly designed to instill fear.

1 min

SC Partially Lifts TRO on No-Contact Apprehension

The Supreme Court (SC) has partially lifted the restraining order it issued against the No-Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP), covering only the implementation of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) along major thoroughfares such as C5 and EDSA.

3 mins

FPJ Panday Bayanihan Partylist Proclaimed: Brian Poe Carries Forward the Mission of Service

The FPJ Panday Bayanihan Partylist has triumphantly secured a remarkable victory, amassing 533,953 votes thereby earning an esteemed seat in Congress.

2 mins

Headhunt on for new ombudsman

With Ombudsman Samuel Martires' term ending on July 27, applications and recommendations for the post have been opened by the Judicial and Bar Council.

1 min

Some officials involved in rice smuggling - Marcos

President Marcos has revealed that government officials were involved in rice smuggling, something which prevented the sale of the staple at P20 per kilo during the early years of his term.

1 min

Reconciliation's cost

Not too long ago, President Marcos was bitterly unfriended by his UniTeam running mate.

4 mins

It's good to be back

CTALK

4 mins

Power of the purse

The executive is putting together the 2026 National Expenditure Program or NEP, which Malacañang typically submits to Congress as the regular session opens in July.

2 mins

What will happen when Xi Jinping dies?

Xi Jinping has made himself China's new emperor — its president for life. Under Xi's command, China has abandoned many of its free-market capitalist policies in favor of centralized control, even if it carried economic repercussions.

4 mins

Just do it - PBBM

COMMONSENSE

4 mins

BBM says officials smuggle rice, so why aren't they in prison?

GOTCHA

3 mins

Biden and America's mission

World view

2 mins

Free Skyway toll eyed during EDSA rehab

The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) will ask San Miguel Corp. (SMC) to waive toll on parts of the Skyway during the rehabilitation of EDSA, which is set to begin next month.

1 min

18 Bus Workers Test Positive for Drugs

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has revoked the licenses of 10 bus drivers and eight conductors from two major bus companies after they tested positive for illegal drug use.

1 min

Interpol Red Notice, Expulsion Eyed vs Roque

While Harry Roque's application for asylum in the Netherlands remains pending, the Department of Justice (DOJ) will request the International Criminal Police Organization or Interpol to issue a red notice against the former presidential spokesman.

1 min

Fake NBI agent nabbed in Manila

A man posing as an agent of the National Bureau of Investigation and offering fake jobs in exchange for money has been arrested during an entrapment operation in Manila, according to the NBI.

1 min

14 Police Commanders in MM Under Probe

Fourteen police commanders in Metro Manila are being investigated following a series of inspections that uncovered operational lapses and violations, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said yesterday.

1 min

Release of Sinaloa drug cartel suspect from BI custody blocked

The Court of Appeals (CA) has blocked a trial court's order releasing from the Bureau of Immigration (BI) custody an Australian man believed to be a member of the Mexican Sinaloa drug cartel and one of Indonesia's most wanted men.

1 min

PNP Logs 27 Deaths Related to May Polls

Twenty-seven people were killed and 62 others were injured in separate violent incidents related to the conduct of the May 12 elections nationwide, according to the Philippine National Police.

1 min

2 Minors Die in Bacolod Fire

Two children died while their grandfather was injured in a fire that struck their house in this city early yesterday morning.

1 min

P5.32-B Illegal Drugs Destroyed in Cavite

Illegal drugs with an estimated street value of P5.32 billion were destroyed by anti-narcotics officials in Trece Martires, Cavite yesterday.

1 min

Floods Displace Thousands in Mindanao

Heavy rains brought by the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) in the past few weeks have inundated low-lying villages in Mindanao, prompting residents to evacuate.

1 min

Cebu Call Center Probed Over Scam Activities

The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) will investigate a call center company based in Cebu City for allegedly operating as a scam hub.

1 min

US surgeons perform first human bladder transplant

Surgeons in Southern California have performed the first human bladder transplant, introducing a new, potentially life-changing procedure for people with debilitating bladder conditions.

1 min

Israel Vows to Take Control of All of Gaza

GAZA CITY (AFP) - Israel said on Monday it would \"take control\" of the whole of Gaza as it intensified attacks across the territory, where aid trickled in for the first time in over two months after the easing of a total blockade.

1 min

Johansson Makes Nerve-Wracking Directorial Debut

Scarlett Johansson (in photo) won praise from veteran filmmaker Wes Anderson as she nervously prepared to unveil her debut feature as a director at the Cannes film festival on Tuesday.

1 min

Trump Gets Talks Pledge But No Ceasefire From Putin

President Donald Trump said Russia and Ukraine would \"immediately\" start peace talks after he spoke with Vladimir Putin on Monday, despite the Russian leader rebuffing Trump's call for an unconditional truce.

1 min

WHO adopts landmark pandemic agreement

Members of the World Health Organization (WHO) adopted a landmark agreement on Tuesday on how to prepare for future pandemics following the COVID outbreak, which killed millions of people between the years of 2020 and 2022.

1 min

WHO'S THE BEST IN THE WEST?

YOUNG STARS PITTED IN EXCITING SHOWDOWN

2 mins

Pacers Knicks renew rivalry

The Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks have faced each other eight times in the postseason.

2 mins

Pacquiao on age gap: Don't worry

YOUNG STARS PITTED IN EXCITING SHOWDOWN

4 mins

Tenorio, Gilas Youth ready for battle

Homecourt advantage is the key as debuting mentor LA Tenorio and the Gilas Pilipinas Youth hosts their regional neighbors in the 2025 FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers starting on Saturday until May 30 at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga.

1 min

GenSan Hosts 15,000 Young Athletes in 2025 PNYG

General Santos City, home to world champion boxers Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire Jr., will host the Philippine National Youth Games, or Batang Pinoy on Oct. 25 to 30 this year.

1 min

Lady Cardinals swoop down on Lady Stags

14 points, respectively, as the Lady Cardinals nailed their fourth win in a row and 11th against five defeats.

1 min

TROPA STAKE HOT RUN

ROS RARING TO POUNCE ON INJURY-HIT TNT

1 min

Daep to spread his wings wider, higher at La Salle?

Teen sensation Lebron Jhames Daep debuted as the newest Green Archer just hours after committing collegiate play for UAAP powerhouse La Salle from his high school alma mater Perpetual in the NCAA.

2 mins

'Gov't should advance fiscal consolidation'

The government should advance its fiscal consolidation through reduced borrowings and moderate spending to ensure sustainability of the country's debt level, a state think tank said.

2 mins

Banks Reap P101-B Profit in 3 Months

Philippine banks turned more profitable in the first quarter, with total profits rising by 10.6 percent to P101.9 billion from P92.1 billion a year ago, driven by higher net interest income.

1 min

Stocks Tumble Anew, PSEI Falls Below 6,400

Local shares tumbled yesterday below the 6,400 level amid persisting negative sentiment following Moody's credit rating downgrade of the US.

1 min

Press freedom

I attended an event at the British Embassy residence last week marking World Press Freedom Day.

4 mins

DoubleDragon marks new milestone, surpasses P100 B in total equity

DoubleDragon Corp., the property developer chaired by tycoons Edgar \"Injap\" Sia II and Tony Tan Caktiong, has marked a new milestone by surpassing P100 billion in total equity.

1 min

Double Dragon marks new milestone, surpasses P100 B in total equity

DoubleDragon Corp., the property developer chaired by tycoons Edgar \"Injap\" Sia II and Tony Tan Caktiong, has marked a new milestone by surpassing P100 billion in total equity.

1 min

Jollibee reinforces leadership in key markets in SE Asia

Jollibee Group's flagship brand Jollibee has reinforced its dominance in key markets in Southeast Asia, sustaining its growth across the region in the first quarter.

2 mins

Tough Love

Government leaders need to face up to the reality that the Philippine economy, just like most of its global counterparts, is facing an economic upheaval due to US President Donald Trump's flip-flopping on tariffs.

3 mins

Passing the torch in family businesses

In the Philippines, family-run conglomerates have long been the backbone of the economy, and the transition of leadership from one generation to the next is a crucial process that shapes the future of these businesses.

3 mins

Banko, ECPay Team Up

BPI Direct BanKo Inc., the microfinance arm of the Bank of the Philippine Islands, has forged a strategic partnership with Electronic Commerce Payments Inc. (ECPay) in a move to bring banking closer to underserved Filipinos.

1 min

BPI Targets P5B From Maiden SINAG Bonds Offer

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is aiming to raise P5 billion, with an option to upsize, from the maiden issuance of its Supporting Inclusion, Nature and Growth (SINAG) Bonds, the first tranche under its newly launched P200-billion bond and commercial paper program.

1 min

BSP names Zeno Abenoja as new deputy governor

Zeno Ronald Abenoja, a long-time central banker and economist, has been appointed deputy governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)'s Monetary and Economics Sector (MES), a key post that oversees the country's monetary policy and economic research.

2 mins

A very rare Mazda MX-5 Coupe

5, September 20, and November 8. All Fan Festa legs will coincide with the legs of the Miata Cup and the MSCC Miata Spec Series.

1 min

BYD Turns Over 10,000th Unit Sold in the Philippines

BYD Cars Philippines, under ACMobility, is celebrating the delivery of its 10,000th New Energy Vehicle (NEV) in the country.

2 mins

First Class for 7, Sporty Performance: The Audi Q7 and Q8 Hybrid

Audi's flagship electrified SUVs also come with top safety ratings from the U.S. IIHS

2 mins

The 2025 Mazda Fan Festa PH—What's all the buzz?

My daughter thinks Miatas sound like bees.As the grid of race-prepped Miatas zipped past the long straight of Clark International Speedway, her little hands gripped the fence while her eyes were wide with fascination. \"Mama, they sound like bees!\" she giggled, completely captivated by the sound and speed.

3 mins

PSE hikes capital-raising target to P170 B

The Philippine Stock Exchange Inc. (PSE) is jacking up significantly its target for capital-raising this year, with the stock market operator expecting a banner year for fundraising activities.

3 mins

China's Huaihua to Strengthen Phl Trade Ties Under RCEP

From a quiet mountain city in Hunan province, China's Huaihua is steadily gaining ground as a logistics gateway for Asia-Pacific trade, and one that seeks deeper connections with the Philippines.

2 mins

SMC, Citicore to Break Ground on Solar Venture This Month

Saavedra-led Citicore Renewable Energy Corp. (CREC) and tycoon Ramon Ang's San Miguel Global Power (SMGP) are set to kick off construction on their landmark solar project this month.

1 min

MTerra Solar Dev't Fast Gaining Steam

Pangilinan-led Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGen) is close to hitting the halfway mark in developing the first phase of the world's largest integrated solar and battery storage facility.

2 mins

Gov't mulls interagency task force vs illicit trade

The government is eyeing the creation of an interagency task force that will consolidate efforts against illicit trade amid widespread use of unregulated and untaxed cigarettes and vape products.

1 min

LOOK WHAT WE FOUND AT KULTURA!

Barongs and ternos with whimsical doodles. Denim jacket with terno sleeves. Terno sleeves with fabric tassels. These were cool pieces we recently found at Kultura along with its traditional creations. As Kultura honors our heritage, it also weaves hip, modern creations that address today's young and fashionable people who wear their patriotic heart on their sleeve.

1 min

This 'negosyo' convention attracts 50,000 'sari-sari' store owners, MSMEs

Vina, 61, a sari-sari store owner from Pandacan, Manila, lined up as early as 6 a.m. for two consecutive days to get first dibs on the amazing deals offered at the 2025 Puregold Tindahan Ni Aling Puring (TNAP) Sari-Sari Store Negosyo Convention held from May 15 to 17 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

2 mins

Glow-Up With The Body Shop

This summer, The Body Shop invites you to embrace the season with Shea & Saffron—a limited-edition collection that reinvents a beloved favorite with vibrant, sun-kissed energy.

1 min

Why Dani Osmeña enjoys designing for weddings

Dani Osmeña's love for fashion was the impetus to be a designer, but just as she launched her brand in 2019, COVID struck, putting a brake on her business.

1 min

POWER, PRESTIGE, AND THE POLITICS OF GOLD

Being in Paris this early spring brought me a wondrous, gilded experience at the Musée du Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac.

3 mins

ZAIJIAN JARANILLA, JANE OINEZA TO STAR IN DIGITAL SERIES ABOUT MAY-SEPTEMBER AFFAIR

From playing the good boy Santino in the ABS-CBN drama series \"May Bukas Pa\" (2009), Zaijian Jaranilla will show, for the first time, his \"most mature performance\" in Puregold Channel's digital series \"Si Sol at Si Luna,\" opposite Jane Oineza.

3 mins

Theater actor Vien King makes recording debut with Isa Pang Habang Panahon

The Filipino music scene sees a compelling new voice in Vien King, a celebrated theater actor, who now makes his official foray into the recording industry.

2 mins

Bono on new Pope, world war fears and his most personal story yet

Cannes is a short trip from Bono's seaside villa in Eze-sur-Mer. He bought it with The Edge in 1993, and considers himself grateful to a coastline that, he says, gave him a \"delayed adolescence.\"

6 mins

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