The Philippine Star - March 17, 2025

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March 17, 2025

ICC judge not spared from fake news

People praised her “no-nonsense” and “surgical” handling of former president Rodrigo Duterte’s first appearance at the International Criminal Court, but ICC Presiding Judge Iulia Motoc also found herself on the receiving end of the vitriol of Duterte supporters.

3 mins

NBI monitoring users of deepfakes in campaign

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will be monitoring online use of deepfakes and fake news as well as red-tagging in campaigning for the 2025 midterm elections.

1 min

PNP ready to arrest Rody drug war 'co-perpetrators'

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is ready to assist the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) again in case arrest warrants will be issued for former president Rodrigo Duterte's alleged \"co-perpetrators.\"

3 mins

Rice max SRP led to P15/kilo price drop - DA

The maximum suggested retail price (SRP) on imported rice has resulted in a drop of P15 per kilo in the cost of the staple without significantly disrupting the grains industry, Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said yesterday.

1 min

Bato surfaces; Baste vows to fight back

Reelectionist Sen. Ronald dela Rosa has finally shown his face in public for the first time since the March 11 arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte, attending the \"Bring him home: A prayer rally for PRRD (President Rodrigo Roa Duterte)\" event at the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila on Saturday.

2 mins

Senators fitting robes for Sara's impeach trial

Senators have started fitting robes for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano has said.

1 min

All admin bets in Senate win circle -OCTA

Sixteen Senate candidates, including all from the administration slate, are within the winning margin based on the February survey by the OCTA Research group.

1 min

Leading poll bets top campaign violators - watchdog

Leading candidates in the May midterm elections are also the leading campaign violators, according to poll watchdog Vote Report PH.

2 mins

Phl to build 8 marine stations

The government will establish around eight marine scientific stations in biogeographic regions to boost the government's campaign to protect resources, including the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga said.

1 min

Chief Justice cancels trip to The Hague

Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo has canceled his planned official trip to The Hague, according to the Supreme Court’s Office of the Spokesperson.

1 min

'Give Rody copy of evidence for ICC trial'

The prosecution should provide the camp of former president Rodrigo Duterte a copy of all the evidence against him, in preparation for his trial, one of the five Filipino lawyers accredited by the International Criminal Court (ICC) said yesterday.

2 mins

BI nabs wanted Jordanian, Chinese

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has arrested two foreign nationals wanted by authorities in their country for alleged criminal offenses.

1 min

PNP upgrades gun licensing system

Following a cyber attack in May last year, the firearm licensing system of the Philippine National Police (PNP) has been strengthened into an advanced and fortified platform.

1 min

Makati schools outperform in NAT 2024

Public schools in Makati have outperformed regional and national averages in the National Achievement Test 2023-2024 for Grade 6 students, based on data from the city's Schools Division Office.

1 min

6/55 Lotto Prize to Reach P135 M

The jackpot in the Grand Lotto 6/55 is expected to increase to P135 million for tonight's draw, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office said yesterday.

1 min

TESDA Eyes More Paramedics

To solve the shortage of manpower in the health sector, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is looking to expand its Emergency Response Services or EMS program.

1 min

Mayoral bet seeks to turn Pasig into 'smart city'

A businesswoman turned mayoral candidate has vowed to transform Pasig into a \"smart city\" by utilizing technology to improve public services, emphasizing the need for change and progress in the city.

1 min

ECC Northern Mindanao empowers PWRDs with livelihood starter kits

The Employees' Compensation Commission (ECC) in Northern Mindanao recently awarded Php 20,000 sari-sari store starter kits to three beneficiaries of its Katulong at Gabay sa Manggagawang may kapansanan (KaGabay) Program.

1 min

ECC provides P190,000 in prostheses to PWRDs in Region 12

\"I am grateful for the cash assistance and rehabilitation services from the ECC, especially for the help in repairing my leg,\" Bernie Abarsolo, a former construction worker who suffered a work-related accident in Davao City, said in a mix of Cebuano and Tagalog.

1 min

ECC Provides Livelihood Assistance to PWRDs in Central Luzon

The Employees' Compensation Commission (ECC), through its Central Luzon regional extension unit, recently provided livelihood assistance to four persons with work-related disabilities (PWRDs).

1 min

ECC AT 50: A Legacy of Milestones and Achievements

On March 17, 1975, then-President Ferdinand Marcos signed into law Presidential Decree No. 626, establishing the Employees' Compensation (EC) and State Insurance Fund (SIF).

2 mins

Murder in paradise

Last week, I reached out to my longtime friends in Boracay Island, a number of whom are professionals, business owners and even members of the provincial security force, to gather info regarding the Slovakian tourist who was found half naked and decomposing on the floor of an abandoned chapel.

3 mins

Presumption of regularity

SKETCHES

4 mins

Go ahead, resign

EDITORIAL

2 mins

Women breaking boundaries

Women have always been central to Filipino society.

4 mins

Level up the playing field

Our country has already exited from the manual voting and counting of votes since our maiden foray into the automated election system (AES) in May 2010. Unfortunately, the old dirty tricks in politics have also evolved with advanced technology.

4 mins

ICC ex machina

QWERTYMAN

4 mins

Teenagers say girls are equal to boys in school, or are ahead

World view

2 mins

Virac, Catanduanes Sizzles at 43 Degrees Celsius

The heat index in Virac, Catanduanes hit 43 degrees Celsius on Saturday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

1 min

Palace Declares April 2 a Holiday in Bataan

Malacañang has declared April 2 as a special non-working day in Bataan to allow the province to commemorate the birth anniversary of Francisco \"Balagtas\" Baltazar, a Filipino poet and orator.

1 min

Slovak tourist sexually abused - PNP

ILOILO CITY — Police have confirmed that the Slovak woman found dead on Boracay Island on March 12 was sexually abused.

2 mins

US launches large-scale strikes on Yemen Houthis

31 killed, 101 injured, mostly women, children

1 min

Driver wins $50M over genital burns from Starbucks tea

A delivery driver has won $50 million in a lawsuit after being seriously burned when a Starbucks drink spilled in his lap at a California drive-through, court records show.

1 min

North Macedonia nightclub fire kills 51

A fire tore through a nightclub in North Macedonia early Sunday, killing 51 people, apparently after on-stage fireworks set the place ablaze, the country's interior minister said.

1 min

Hackman's children not named in actor's $80-M will

The will of legendary actor Gene Hackman has been released, but uncertainty lingers over his $80-million fortune, according to a report on BBC.

1 min

Pope Francis Still Requires Therapy, Vatican Says

Pope Francis is improving, but still requires various in-hospital therapies, the Vatican said on Saturday, even as it revealed the 88-year-old pontiff had laid plans to extend his years-long Synod process into 2028.

1 min

Peruvian fisherman found alive after 95 days lost at sea

A Peruvian fisherman was found alive after drifting at sea for 94 days, a navy official said on Saturday, as he was discharged from hospital following his ordeal.

1 min

Major storms in central US leave 33 dead

At least 33 people were killed and dozens more were injured on Saturday when tornadoes and violent storms raked across the central United States, officials said.

1 min

Pinoy ref in FIBA elite level

There’s only one Filipino referee classified in FIBA’s elite level and for Glenn Cornelio, his dream is to someday make it to the World Cup. Cornelio, 44, worked the recent EASL championship game in Macau.

1 min

Jr. World Bidders Face Tough Challenges at TCC

While coveted spots in the USwing Mojing Junior World Championship in San Diego, California, are on the line, the true challenge for the country's most promising junior golfers lies in the formidable layout of The Country Club, which will host the qualifiers starting Wednesday in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

1 min

Draper dashes Alcaraz' 3-peat hopes

Jack Draper ended Carlos Alcaraz's bid for a rare Indian Wells ATP Masters three-peat on Saturday, toppling the Spaniard to book a title clash with Holger Rune.

1 min

GIN KINGS STRIKE BACK

Barangay Ginebra outlasted TNT in a wild Game 2 encounter, 71-70, to tie the PBA Season finals series at 1-1 last night in front of a 12,925-strong crowd at the MOA Arena.

1 min

Canino bags U18 Open chess crown

Teenage chess sensation Ruelle Canino is doing it all.

1 min

Fighting Maroons negate Nitura's 38-point sizzler

University of the Philippines spoiled Adamson ace Shaina Nitura's record-breaking performance in a 25-15, 15-25, 24-26, 25-22, 15-10 come-from-behind win that snapped its four-game skid at the close of the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball first round yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

1 min

Mercenary basketball

Three weeks ago, this writer asked whether or not there's too much basketball in the country now.

2 mins

Gov't Pays Record P2T Debt Last Year

The country's debt service hit a record P2 trillion last year, largely on principal payments, as the government moved to cut mounting obligations.

1 min

Foreign Debt Slips to $137.6 B in 2024

The country's foreign debt slipped slightly to $137.63 billion in end-December 2024 after hitting an all-time high of $139.64 billion in September, mainly due to the appreciation of the dollar against other currencies.

2 mins

MVP, Leviste partner anew for solar project

Tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan and businessman Leandro Leviste are looking to develop another solar project as a follow-up to their P200-billion Terra Solar development, which is poised to become the world's largest integrated solar and battery storage facility.

1 min

US exceptionalism falters as markets tumble

US equities tumbled last week as recession fears and tariff tensions triggered a broad market sell-off.

3 mins

MVP From B1

\"I think we can do it this year, probably,\" he said.

1 min

Stocks Look To Sustain Upward Bias

The local stock market will attempt to continue its climb this week, but a stronger rally could be hampered by lingering global economic risks brought by US President Donald Trump's protectionist trade policies.

1 min

BOC, Rubio bag award for driving investments

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio received the Gawad Bayanihan sa Pamumuhunan award for creating a more seamless customs process, boosting the country's attractiveness to investors.

1 min

Maynilad Eyes IPO in Next 2 Quarters

Maynilad Water Services Inc. sees the next two quarters of the year as crucial in undertaking its planned P49-billion initial public offering (IPO).

1 min

ACEN lines up more green projects abroad

Building on its robust performance last year, Ayala-led ACEN Corp. is forging ahead with the rollout of more green energy projects across global markets.

1 min

Political noise and the economy

\"Uncertainty is not a good thing,\" JP Morgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon remarked when asked about the direction of the American economy.

4 mins

Meralco Sees Higher Power Sales This Year

Power giant Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) still expects modest growth in energy sales this year despite the absence of the El Niño phenomenon that fueled consumer demand in 2024.

1 min

Businesses Weigh Impact of Duterte Arrest

Business groups are watching closely how events will unfold following the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte, with one view warning that political instability could further deter investments and another suggesting investor and business confidence may improve if peace is maintained.

2 mins

Pandemic Accelerated Adoption of Digital Services

It was interesting to read the findings of the 2021 Consumer Finance Survey (CFS) conducted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) from March 31, 2022, to Dec. 11, 2022, which were released last Friday, March 14.

4 mins

Internet provider InfiniVAN gears up for IPO

Internet service provider InfiniVAN Inc. is setting its sights on becoming a publicly listed company to speed up its growth.

1 min

Revival of Laguna-Albay train service needs P16 B

Filipinos will have to wait until 2026 before train services resume between Laguna and Albay, as the Philippine National Railways (PNR) requires at least P16 billion to fix the inter-regional line.

2 mins

ART IN THE PARK GIVES CHILL VIBES AFTER HECTIC 'ART MONTH'

With Art in the Park, it's all about the vibe. Yes, February is \"art month\" in Manila, a time when Makati is invaded by hordes of art lovers heading to Art Fair Philippines (this year, Ayala Triangle transformed into a tented art bazaar).

4 mins

Looking Inside Agnes Locsin

At the outset, watching her choreography in the Neo-Ethnic dance genre she conceived, a conservative mind with set ways and considerations could dismiss the choreography as utter disrespect of tradition—perhaps because the mind is ill-informed about the meticulous process Agnes Locsin goes through in transforming a tradition into a modern dance genre based on movements and intricacies that, in fact, respect tradition.

4 mins

For Cris Villanueva, being a character actor is a blessing

Cris Villanueva is among the local tinseltown's veterans, who remain visible and relevant amidst the ever-changing landscape of entertainment and the influx of new talents.

3 mins

A Night of...

Mylene Dizon, Glaiza de Castro, Patrick Garcia, Cheska Garcia and husband Doug Kramer had a group chat of their own.

1 min

Trek Valdizno Launches 'Convoluted Universe' at Galleria Duemila

Galleria Duemila opens \"Convoluted Universe,\" a solo exhibition by Filipino artist Trek Valdizno, from March 22 to May 3, with an opening reception March 22 from 4 to 9 p.m.

1 min

'A NIGHT OF 100 STARS' LIVES UP TO ITS NAME

HELD ON MARCH 9, THE EVENT BILLED as \"A Night of 100 Stars\" certainly lived up to its name.

3 mins

Medical scientist hopes to make impact in MUPH 2025

This year's Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) is touted to be an intense and fierce competition as pageant veterans and titleholders are taking another shot at the crown.

3 mins

Time travel, but make it steel: THE REMAKING OF HISTORIQUES

Some watches tell time. Others tell a story. And then there are those rare few that define an era. The Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 is one of them.

4 mins

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