SENATE President Francis Escudero yesterday condemned the United States’ plan to send Asian immigrants, including Filipinos, facing deportation to Libya, calling it “cruel.”
A US federal judge however temporarily halted the deportations of Asian migrants, ruling that sending them to Libya would violate a prior ruling allowing them to contest their removal. This move is part of a broader initia-
tive of U.S. immigration authorities to deport millions of undocumented immigrants, in line with President Donald Trump’s campaign promise.
“Filipinos are not camels to be dumped on some Libyan desert. They
Bayan Muna files complaint vs. Prime Water with Palace
BAYAN Muna Party-list and consumers of PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. on Thursday filed a formal complaint before Malacañang calling for the cancellation of all joint venture agreements (JVAs) between the Villar family-owned private water utility firm and local water districts around the country, citing widespread service failures and legal violations.
In the complaint addressed to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the group said the JVAs have resulted in frequent water interruptions, poor water quality, high rates, and unresponsive customer service in areas including San Jose del Monte in Bulacan, Bacolod City, Quezon, Cavite, and Bukidnon provinces.
Bayan Muna alleged that these JVAs, mostly entered into during the Duterte administration, are disadvantageous to the public and violate provisions of Presidential Decree 198, which grants operational control of water districts to their respective boards. It also warned of potential violations of the Constitution and public-private partnership regulations.
are human beings who deserve to be accorded all the rights by a state who claims to cherish and uphold them,” he said in a statement.
“If the United States wants to deport our citizens, then we are willing to welcome our kababayan back. There is absolutely no need for this cruelty to export them to a third country,” he asserted.
He called for the Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez to investigate the status of Filipinos
facing deportation and provide legal assistance if needed.
Escudero stressed the importance of protecting the rights of those at risk of deportation, ensuring they are not subjected to persecution in countries with a history of human rights violations.
“Dignified repatriation of our brothers and sisters is all we seek, not some rendition to an offshore penitentiary in a country which does not want them,” he concluded.
District Judge Brian Murphy said
such deportations would violate his previous order that migrants being sent to a country other than their own first be given a “meaningful” opportunity to challenge their removal in court and show that they may face persecution. Murphy’s ruling came in response to an emergency motion from lawyers for migrants from Laos, the Philippines and Vietnam who said they were in “imminent” danger of being deported to Libya—”a county notorious for its human rights violations.”
AFP eyeing identities of Pulong’s bodyguards
By Rex Espiritu
THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is investigating the identities of personnel assigned to provide security for Davao City Rep. Paolo ‘Pulong’ Duterte after a video involving the latter in a bar fight went viral.
According to AFP Public Affairs Office chief Colonel Xerxes Trinidad, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has authorized Duterte to keep some members of the military as part of his security detail in accordance with applicable rules and regulations amid the polling season.
“In line with this, the AFP is currently undertaking an internal inquiry to thoroughly verify and validate the identities of the personnel designated to provide security to Representative Duterte,” Trinidad added in a statement released late Wednesday evening. Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police General Rommel Marbil previously stated that two police officers and two soldiers appeared in a footage allegedly showing Duterte assaulting a man at a bar in Davao City.
Marbil clarified that the two police officers were not authorized to serve as Duterte’s security detail.
Grab PH, MOVE IT, Comelec champion voter education for 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.
Grab is leveraging its digital ecosystem—including its superapp, highly-engaged social media pages, and robust influencer network—to disseminate vital voter information in partnership with Comelec. These include checklists for election day, identification reminders, and guidance on voting do’s and don’ts—all geared at helping the Filipino electorate prepare for the elections.
Grab Philippines Country Head Ronald Roda states: “As a partner in nation-building and progress, Grab Philippines recognizes that an informed and empowered electorate is the cornerstone of a strong democracy. Through this partnership with Comelec, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting the Filipino people not only in their everyday journeys, but also in their collective journey toward a more inclusive and prosperous future. We stand with every Filipino in ensuring that their voice is heard, their choice is informed, and their vote helps shape a better Philippines for generations to come.”
Transport Accessibility to Encourage Voter Turnout
Beyond education, the #RideToVote also includes a transport accessibility component designed to tackle one of the potential barriers to voter turnout: access to transportation to and from voting centers.
On election day, voters can use the promo code RIDETOVOTE via the Grab app to get P50 off GrabCar rides from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. — making four-wheel transport more affordable for solo voters or families heading to the same voting center. Meanwhile, MOVE IT is offering the promo code BOTONAMI from May 10 to 12, giving P20 off motorcycle taxi rides — ensuring voters who prefer two-wheel transport also have an accessible and budget-friendly option.
—“—
We deeply value this partnership with Grab and MOVE IT, as it demonstrates how collaboration can address real challenges, such as transportation barriers that often hinder voter turnout, particularly for vulnerable sectors.
— Comelec Chairman George Erwin M.
Early Voting Hours for Senior Citizens, Persons with Disabilities, and Pregnant Voters In a targeted inclusion effort, Comelec is also launching Early Voting Hours for senior citizens, Persons with Disabilities, and pregnant voters. From 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., these vulnerable sectors will be given first access to voting centers, easing their experience at the polls.
Registered senior citizens and Persons With Disabilities on the Grab platform will receive a special promo code via a Grab in-app message. This code, fully sponsored by Grab, enables them to claim FREE rides during Early Voting Hours, ensuring convenient and accessible transportation on election day.
Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia underscored the vital role of a whole-ofnation approach and strong public-private partnerships in enhancing voter participation.
“Safeguarding our democracy is a shared responsibility— one that demands the active involvement of government, the private sector, and the Filipino people themselves. We deeply value this partnership with Grab and MOVE IT, as it demonstrates how collaboration can address real challenges, such as transportation barriers that often hinder voter turnout, particularly for vulnerable sectors. Through this initiative, we are sending a clear message: every Filipino voice matters, and we are fully committed to making the voting experience more accessible, inclusive, and truly empowering.”
EARLY BIRDS. Passengers bound for the Bicol region jam the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange in Pasay City yesterday as they wait for buses to take them to their respective provinces where they will vote on May 12. Danny Pata
From left: Commission on Elections Commissioner Ernesto Ferdinand Maceda Jr. and Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia, Grab Philippines Country Head Ronald Roda, MOVE IT General Manager Wayne Jacinto, and Grab Philippines Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Booey Bonifacio.
Grab Philippines Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Lawyer Booey Bonifacio demonstrates to COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia how Grab users can access election reminders as part of the platform’s #RideToVote campaign.
FOR MOTHERS. Various kinds of flowers are sold at a shopping mall in Cubao, Quezon City in preparation for the upcoming Mother’s Day. Manny Marcelo
‘Balikatan’ troops in Palawan
PHILIPPINE , United States, and Australian troops conducted a Maritime Key Terrain Security Operation (MKTSO) near Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, as part of Exercise Balikatan 2025.
According to a statement from the Balikatan 2025 Combined Joint Information Bureau, the exercise took place on May 5.
BIR: Comply with campaign tax rules
THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Thursday reminded candidates and political parties running in the elections to comply with tax rules on campaign fundraising and spending, stressing that doing so is part of their legal responsibilities.
BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said all candidates and political parties that accept campaign contributions or spend on their campaigns are required to register with the agency.
“When they pay their suppliers, they must withhold 5 percent from the payments,” Lumagui said in an interview with state-run PTV.
“If the amount of contributions they receive exceeds what they actually spend, they are required to pay income tax on the excess,” he added.
Lumagui also emphasized the need to apply for non-VAT official receipts, noting that receipts and invoices must be issued to all donors, whether the donations are in cash or in kind.
“All campaign expenses must be itemized and submitted as part of the Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and also to the BIR so we can ensure full compliance,” he said.
When asked whether candidates may keep unused campaign funds, the BIR chief confirmed this is allowed—as long as proper taxes are paid.
“The exercise featured air and ground insertions, including MV-22 Osprey deployments and coordinated jungle maneuvers, simulating real-world chal-
lenges in securing strategic coastal terrain,” the organizers said.
“MKTSO showcased the enduring commitment of the Philippines, the United States, and Australia to regional security, cooperation, and collective defense across the Indo-Pacific,” the statement added.
Balikatan, an annual exercise between Manila and Washington, be -
gan on April 21, with approximately 17,000 troops participating in various activities. This year, Filipino and US troops are engaging in a full-scale battle exercise designed to simulate major hostilities. On Friday, troops from both countries will conclude their two-week war games held in various areas across the country. Rex Espiritu
Comelec rejects EU’s request to enter polling places
By Vito Barcelo
THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday rejected a request from the European Union Election Observation Mission to allow its observers entry into polling places during the May 12 midterm elections, stating that granting such access would violate Philippine laws.
Comelec chair George Garcia issued the statement in response to comments
IN BRIEF
Vlogger cop dismissed over Duterte post
POLICE vlogger Patrolman Francis Steve Fontillas has been dismissed from service following summary dismissal proceedings by the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM). The NAPOLCOM en banc voted unanimously to remove Fontillas, finding him guilty of grave misconduct, conduct unbecoming of a police officer, and disloyalty to the government. In addition to dismissal, he was also perpetually disqualified from holding any public office.
“Fontillas’ resignation did not halt the administrative and criminal cases against him,” said NAPOLCOM Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan. “Jurisdiction had already been established prior to his resignation.” Fontillas is facing administrative complaints over his social media posts criticizing the International Criminal Court’s arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Vince Lopez
Unemployment dips as job fairs boost hiring
THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reported a significant drop in unemployment, with 69,000 fewer jobless Filipinos year-onyear—down from 2 million in March 2024 to 1.931 million in March 2025.
Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said the employment rate remains strong at 96.1 percent, close to February’s high of 96.2 percent, indicating a stable labor market. He added that both labor force participation and unemployment rates continue to exceed targets in the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028. Significant job gains were seen in sectors such as education, administrative support, fishing and aquaculture, entertainment, and healthcare, with a shift toward more specialized roles like technicians and sales professionals.
From January to April 2025, DOLE conducted 338 job fairs nationwide, generating over 670,000 vacancies from 10,000 local and overseas employers. More than 260,000 positions were offered during the Labor Day fair alone. Laguesma said the government’s Trabaho Para sa Bayan Plan 2025–2034 is expected to address persistent labor market issues like job-skill mismatch and regional disparities, aiming to create more quality employment opportunities. Vito Barcelo
Calabarzon’s most wanted surrenders
A 37-YEAR-OLD man tagged as the most wanted person in Calabarzon for May 2025 surrendered without resistance to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on the evening of May 7. The suspect, wanted for violating Section 12 of the Dangerous Drugs Act (RA 9165) involving illegal drug paraphernalia, gave himself up to the Regional Mobile Force Battalion following intense manhunt efforts by the NCRPO.
He had been evading a warrant of arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court in Binangonan, Rizal, since November 2024. The suspect, a house painter from Cardona, Rizal, had remained at large for months.
The arrest was carried out in coordination with the Imus City Police Station, highlighting the NCRPO’s targeted strategy for apprehending high-profile fugitives linked to the illegal drug trade.
BARMM teachers back out as ERB staff
THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) reported that at least 30 teachers from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have withdrawn from serving as members of the Election Registration Board (ERB) for the coming elections. Comelec chair George Erwin Garcia said the teachers backed out due to various reasons, including existing medical conditions and their relationships to local candidates.
“We will deploy PNP personnel to replace them,” Garcia said. In April, the Comelec requested
from EU mission chief Marta Temido, who said their observation work in the Philippines has been going smoothly so far and questioned why the Comelec would not allow them inside polling places. In denying the request, Garcia cited the 1987 Constitution and a provision of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC), specifically Article 7, Section 52(k) B.2, which states: “Members or units of any citizen group or organization so designated by the Comelec, except its lone duly accredited watcher, will not be allowed to enter any polling place except to vote, and shall, if they so desire, stay in an area at least fifty meters away from the polling place.”
“According to the Omnibus Election Code, only voters, electoral board members, citizen arm watchers, party watchers, and our support staff are permitted inside the polling place,” Garcia said.
“When a fugitive surrenders, it’s not by chance—it’s because our presence is felt, our strategy is precise, and our commitment is nonnegotiable,” said NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin. The suspect is now undergoing documentation and processing. Vince Lopez
FINAL CHECK. Police B/Gen. Benigno Guzman, district director of the Manila Police District (MPD), joins local election and local government personnel for a final walkthrough at Araullo High School in Manila in preparation for the upcoming 2025 Midterm Elections. Norman Cruz
OPINION
Political dynasties: Let the electorate decide?
mandates, the argument raised by members of political families is that since no enabling law has been passed by Congress, the electorate themselves should decide whether to elect/reelect them into public office.
That’s a rather disingenuous way by the political dynasties of saying that you can’t tell us what to do because we know what we’re doing, which is to enjoy power and privilege for as long as we can, and nobody can stop us.
It’s a mindset that seeks to use the uneducated and the ignorant among the electorate to vote them into office with big and grandiloquent but empty promises, if not by buying their votes with cold, hard cash.
We say: You decide, not the voters, if you really are honest and sincere in wanting to serve the people.
You can help the people in other ways: doing volunteer work uplifting the lives of those in poor communities; putting up or expanding your own business and providing more employment for the jobless; using the profits from your businesses to give farmers and workers a better chance to improve their quality of life instead of getting trapped in inter-generational poverty.
To the political families that want to monopolize political power whether at the national or the local levels, you know every well that you can simply buy votes especially among those who are in dire need of money because they have lost their jobs, or for other compelling reasons.
Hence, their mantra of “let the voters decide” is disingenuous and utterly dishonest.
“I want to help/serve the people” is another slogan bandied about by members of entrenched political dynasties. It’s a total falsehood. When they establish a firm grip on power, they are likely to help themselves to the national treasury and satisfy their insatiable thirst for unlimited wealth, power and influence.
The Ateneo School of Governance, which has conducted an extensive study on the growing number of both fat and thin dynasties in the Philippines, has concluded that political dynasties have in fact perpetuated poverty in the country instead of contributing to socio-economic development and an end to intergenerational poverty.
Ample proof that political dynasties
have become a bane rather than a boon to political stability, economic advance and social concord is growing demand from various sectors for the Supreme Court to compel Congress, an independent branch of government, to pass an enabling law prohibiting political dynasties as soon as possible, with retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio leading the effort.
But will the High Tribunal decide in favor of the petitioners? We’ll have to wait and see.
What’s going on here?
Their mantra of ‘let the voters decide’ is disingenuous and utterly dishonest
Just to make sure that I would be able to vote on the May 12 midterm elections, I checked with the online Precinct Finder of the Commission on Elections.
I filled up the form with my name, address and date of birth. I had hoped that this would be something easy to do, and reassure me that I would be able to exercise my right of suffrage with no hassle at all.
But I was wrong. After I sent the completed online form to the poll body, I got this reply: “There is another voter with the same full name and birth date as yours in the city/municipality where you are registered. These multiple records may belong to you or to another different voters. We cannot be certain unless you provide us with more information
“Please contact the Office of the Election Officer to confirm you can vote on May 12, 2025. You may also email voterverifier @comelec. gov.ph for further verification which may require your provision of certain personally identifiable information.”
I tried to get in touch with the email address provided by the Comelec but failed twice.
My worry is this: Has the Comelec system been hacked and that another person claiming to be me and with the same date of birth would be able to vote on May 12 at the same precinct and I will be deprived of the right of suffrage? I hope not. (Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)
‘No one wins in war’ says UK WWII veteran and yoga teacher at 100
HARLOW, United Kingdom – Centenarian Dorothea Barron recalled the wave of relief she felt when she heard World War II had finally come to an end.
“Thank goodness that’s over,” the British Navy veteran remembers thinking.
Eighty years on, the spritely 100-yearold -- who now teaches yoga and saw in her big birthday with a celebratory flight in a Spitfire fighter plane -- is among an ever-shrinking number of veterans with firsthand memories of the war.
Exactly how many former WWII servicepeople there are in the UK is unknown.
While experts estimate there are still several thousand, the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, marked on May 8, will be among the last major British wartime commemorations with a substantial veteran presence.
As Britain marked the anniversary with four days of celebrations from Monday -- including military parades, flypasts and street parties -- Barron told AFP how it felt to hear that the war that had overshadowed her teenage years was over.
The news came as “a release, a tremendous weight off your shoulders”.
But it also marked an abrupt shift for members of the armed forces.
“It was ‘keep the uniform, here are a few clothing coupons, a few food coupons, go home.’ And that was all,” Barron said.
Aged 20, she did not anticipate how tough life in post-war Britain would be. It was a “terribly difficult” period, Barron said.
“I won’t say unhappy, but there were uncertain times. You never knew what was going to hit you the next day.”
‘Can you feel it?’
Speaking from her home near Harlow, north of London, Barron went on to recall the years of post-war reconstruction with extraordinary vim.
She has been teaching yoga for 60 years, and every Monday she holds a class close to her home.
Her flexibility — as demonstrated by her downward dog pose, with heels on the floor and back perfectly flat — impresses even her young students.
“Can you feel it in the back of your legs?” she asked at a recent class.
It takes a lot to stop Barron from being cheerful, but she is concerned about current events — especially Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
“If you want firm boobs, that’s the pose,” she told her dozen or so students aged 20 to 95, unfazed by their groans.
“I feel lovely, relaxed and stretched,” she said as she walked home afterwards.
Spitfire flight Barron celebrated her 100th birthday in Oct. 2024 by flying in a Spitfire, a Royal Air Force aircraft that played a crucial role in the Battle of Britain in 1940 against the German Luftwaffe.
“It really was so wonderfully exciting,” she said, beaming.
With such energy today, it is easy to imagine Barron’s determination at 18.
She “desperately” wanted to join the
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EDITORIAL
Go out and vote
THE unrepentant cynics will no doubt dismiss Philippine elections as a colossal waste of time and effort. Why?
Because, as our experience has shown, only those with enough money can pursue an election campaign, whether at the national or local levels. They will have to shell out adequate funds for their campaign staff, election materials, political sorties in various places, and perhaps for vote-buying.
On the other hand, the same cynics will belittle the majority of voters who fail to closely examine whether the politicians who seek their votes are truly sincere in their quest for public office, or have the necessary qualifications, such as education, training and experience in their chosen fields.
If voters rely mainly on name recall or popularity of candidates, then the electorate cannot really expect them to deliver results, whether in lawmaking or policy/program implementation.
Our Constitution, after all, gives wide leeway for the aspiring politicians as well as those of voting age to take part in regular political exercises.
Besides these Constitutional provisions, there are other mechanisms for the citizenry to freely exercise their right of suffrage.
Republic Act 9189, or the Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003, gives an
Women’s Royal Naval Service, or Wrens, as they were known.
“We weren’t going to have the Nazis taking over our country,” she said.
But Barron feared she was too short to make the cut.
“I cheated like mad and cut out cardboard heels to make me look taller, and I built my hair up, puffed it up,” she said.
“I was only five foot two inches, but I think they saw I was so keen to become a Wren that they thought ‘we’ll let her through’.”
Barron taught troops how to communicate using visual signals and Morse
immigrant or permanent resident who is recognized as such in Article V of the 1987 Constitution guarantees that the right of suffrage may be exercised by all citizens of the Philippines not otherwise disqualified by law.
No literacy, property or other substantive requirement is imposed on the exercise of suffrage.
Further on, the fundamental law says Congress should provide a system for the secrecy and sanctity of the ballot.
What we have at present is an immature democracy where regular elections are dominated by incompetents and the unqualified
Congress has also designed a procedure for the disabled for the disabled and the illiterates to vote without the
code. And ahead of the D-Day Normandy landings, she helped test the portable Mulberry harbors, which were towed across the English Channel and allowed large numbers of troops and vehicles to reach France.
But she did not know what the structures were for at the time, and only later realized how they were deployed.
“I was rather delighted,” she said. “I thought: ‘Oh, I did do something useful then’.” She planned to mark Victory in Europe Day in the Netherlands for Dutch Liberation Day, before taking part in a
assistance of other persons. They are now allowed to vote under existing laws and such rules as the Commission on Elections has promulgated to protect the secrecy of the ballot.
The same Constitution allows wide leeway for prospective candidates to seek public office.
While Section 26 of Article II or State Policies provides that the State shall guarantee access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law, it left it to Congress to pass an enabling law, thereby allowing political dynasties to rule the roost and monopolize public office from the highest to the lowest levels.
This is unfortunate.
What we have at present is an immature or even deviant democracy where regular elections are dominated by incompetents and the unqualified, on the one hand, and an electorate that cannot separate the chaff from the grain. And it looks like, given this situation, our democracy is now in a deep, dark hole from which there’s little hope for light to shine through, unless the intelligent and the upright among the voters make their voices heard loud and clear on May 12. Go out and vote for the truly honest and competent candidates, and spare the nation from the hopeless dimwits, irredeemable charlatans and the incorrigibly corrupt.
service at Westminster Abbey on May 8, which will also be attended by the British royal family.
During the war, Barron met her husband Andrew, who was in the Royal Air Force. They had two daughters, and Barron is now a great-grandmother. Andrew died in 2021, and Barron still talks about him lovingly.
It takes a lot to stop Barron from being cheerful, but she is concerned about current events — especially Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has left conflict raging in Europe once more. “Nobody wins a war,” she said. AFP
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N. Korea fires flurry of ballistic missiles
IN BRIEF
US slams Russia for protecting N. Korea
UNITED NATIONS, New York – The United States on Wednesday (Thursday Manila time) denounced Russia for “cynically obstructing” the monitoring of North Korea’s compliance with UN sanctions, saying Moscow was trying to dodge criticism for using Pyongyang’s weapons in its war with Ukraine.
Several Security Council members, including the United States and South Korea, convened a meeting on the issue to heighten awareness of Moscow’s potential sanctions-busting actions, the interim US envoy said.
“Today’s briefing shows the Council will continue to ensure member states are aware of sanctions violations and evasion activity that generate revenue” for North Korea’s “unlawful” weapons programs “despite Russia’s veto,” said the envoy, Dorothy Shea.
In March 2024, by vetoing a Security Council resolution, Russia effectively ended the system in place to monitor Pyongyang’s compliance with UN sanctions first implemented in 2006 and subsequently strengthened several times. AFP
Man with 85-year-old ticket admitted to Expo
TOKYO – A man was admitted to the World Expo in Japan with a ticket to a 1940 event that was called off as war escalated, organizers said.
Tickets for the “Grand International Exposition of Japan” in Tokyo were released in 1938 but the event was postponed indefinitely as Japan became embroiled in World War II.
Organizers of Expo 2025 in the western city of Osaka, which opened last month and runs until mid-October, said in a statement they had decided to admit holders of tickets to the 1940 event.
They exchanged one of the old tickets on Monday for two one-day Expo 2025 passes, the statement said.
Local media reported that the 1940 ticket-holder was 25-year-old Fumiya Takenawa, who lives in Tokyo but was visiting his parents’ home in Osaka.
Takenawa is a collector of expo-related memorabilia and in March he purchased the 1940 ticket online, the Mainichi Shimbun daily and other outlets reported. AFP
Greece undermines media freedom, says HRW ATHENS – Human Rights Watch on Thursday criticized Greece’s government for “state actions that undermine” the right to information, noting that press freedom in the country has seen “significant deterioration” since the conservatives came to power in 2019.
In a report titled “From Bad to Worse,” the rights group highlighted intimidation and harassment of journalists, encouragement to self-censor, as well as increased control of the media.
Based on 26 interviews with journalists and experts, the report said journalists “have become targets in various ways”, including online harassment that is “often orchestrated or encouraged” by pro-government actors.
“Widespread and deliberate constraints against journalism in Greece create an environment where critical reporting is stifled and self-censorship becomes the norm,” HRW’s Europe and Central Asia director Hugh Williamson said in a statement. AFP
India, Pakistan trade fire after deadly upsurge
SRINAGAR, India – Indian and Pakistani soldiers exchanged gunfire overnight in Kashmir, New Delhi said Thursday, a day after the worst violence between the nuclear-armed rivals in two decades.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed to retaliate after India launched deadly missile strikes on Wednesday morning, with days of repeated gunfire along their border escalating into artillery shelling.
“We will avenge each drop of the blood of these martyrs,” Sharif said, in an address to the nation.
India said it had destroyed nine “terrorist camps” in Pakistan in “focused, measured and non-escalatory” strikes,
two weeks after New Delhi blamed Islamabad for backing an attack on tourists in the Indian-administered side of disputed Kashmir -- a charge Pakistan denies.
At least 45 deaths have been reported from both sides of the border following Wednesday’s violence, including children.
Islamabad said 31 civilians were killed by Indian strikes and firing along the border.
New Delhi said 13 civilians and a soldier had been killed by Pakistani fire.
Pakistan’s military also said five Indian jets had been downed across the border, but New Delhi has not responded to the claims.
An Indian senior security source, who asked not to be named, said three of its fighter jets had crashed on home territory.
The largest Indian strike was on an Islamic seminary near the Punjabi city of Bahawalpur, killing 13 people according to the Pakistan military.
Madasar Choudhary, 29, described how his sister saw two children killed in Poonch, on the Indian side of the frontier on Wednesday.
“She saw two children running out of her neighbour’s house and screamed for them to get back inside,” Choudhary said, narrating her account because she was too shocked to speak. AFP
WORST VIOLENCE. Soldiers stand
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signaling an imminent escalation in the worst violence in decades between the nuclear-armed neighbors. AFP
China vows to stand with Russia in face of ‘hegemonic bullying’
MOSCOW – Beijing will stand with Moscow in the face of “hegemonic bullying,” Chinese President Xi Jinping told Russian leader Vladimir Putin during a visit to the Kremlin on Thursday.
Xi, whom Putin calls a “dear friend,” is the highest profile guest for Moscow’s celebrations to mark the defeat of the Nazis. Russia has become increasingly economically reliant on China during its Ukraine offensive.
Beijing has portrayed itself as a neutral party throughout the conflict, but the West accuses it of enabling Russia economically and diplomatically.
“In the face of the international counter-current of unilateralism and hegemonic bullying behaviour, China will work with Russia to shoulder the special responsibilities of major world powers,” Xi told Putin, hailing strengthening ties with Moscow.
“The political mutual trust between China and Russia is becoming deeper,
and the ties for pragmatic cooperation are becoming stronger,” he said.
Putin said Russia and China were “developing our ties for the benefit of the peoples of both countries and are not opposed to anyone.” Xi was in Moscow as Ukraine accused Russia of violating its own ceasefire within hours.
His visit comes ahead of large May 9 celebrations to mark 80 years since the defeat of Nazi Germany.
Putin said Russia and China will not forget the “27 million lives that the Soviet Union lay on the altar of the fatherland and the altar of victory, and the 37 million lives that the war took away from China for its freedom and independence.”
Both countries defend “historical truth”, said Putin, who has long accused the West of downplaying Moscow’s part in WWII and argued the Soviet Union was the main victor in the conflict. AFP
SEOUL – North Korea fired multiple types of shortrange ballistic missiles
Thursday, South Korea’s military said, around a week after leader Kim Jong Un tested a new weapons system for his latest warship
Seoul’s military said it had “detected the launch of various types of short-range ballistic missiles,” the Joint Chiefs of Staff said.
The missiles were “fired from the Wonsan area of North Korea into the East Sea between approximately 08:10 and 09:20 today (from 2310 GMT Wednesday),” they added, referring to the body of water also known as the Sea of Japan.
The missiles flew up to about 800 kilometers before splashing down in waters to the east of the peninsula, the JCS said, adding it strongly condemned the North for a “clear act of provocation that poses a serious threat to peace and stability”.
“Our military, under the strong South Korea-US combined defense posture, is closely monitoring various North Korean activities to prevent any misjudgment (by the North),” it said in a statement.
The launch, the nuclear-armed North’s first missile test since March, came about a week after Kim oversaw the test-firing of a new warship weapons system.
Pyongyang unveiled the 5,000-ton destroyer-class vessel named Choe Hyon last month.
North Korea claims the vessel was equipped with the “most powerful weapons”, and that it would “enter into operation early next year”.
Some analysts have said the ship could be equipped with short-range tactical nuclear missiles -- although North Korea has not proven it has the ability to miniaturize its nukes.
The South Korean military has said the destroyer could have been developed with Russian help -- possibly in exchange for Pyongyang deploying thousands of troops to help Moscow fight Kyiv. AFP
Global temperatures stuck at record highs
PARIS – Global temperatures were stuck at nearrecord highs in April, the EU’s climate monitor said on Thursday, extending an unprecedented heat streak and raising questions about how quickly the world might be warming.
The extraordinary heat spell was expected to subside as warmer El Nino conditions faded last year, but temperatures have stubbornly remained at record or near-record levels well into this year.
“And then comes 2025, when we should be settling back, and instead we are remaining at this accelerated step-change in warming,” said Johan Rockstrom, director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research.
“And we seem to be stuck there. What this is caused (by) -- what is explaining it -- is not entirely resolved, but it’s a very worrying sign,” he told AFP. In its latest bulletin, the Copernicus Climate Change Service said that April was the secondhottest in its dataset, which draws on billions of measurements from satellites, ships, aircraft and weather stations.
All but one of the last 22 months exceeded 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, the warming limit enshrined in the Paris agreement, beyond which major and lasting climate and environmental changes become more likely.
Many scientists believe this target is no longer attainable and will be crossed in a matter of years. AFP
guard near the site of a damaged mosque, a day after Indian strikes in Muzaffarabad,
capital of
Kashmir, on Thursday. Pakistan has warned it will ‘avenge’ those killed by Indian air strikes that New Delhi said were in response to an attack in Kashmir,
US tariff remains a threat to PH growth outlook—MBC
By Othel V. Campos
The Makati Business Club (MBC) flagged economic challenges ahead, including the impact of the planned 17-percent percent US tariff on Philippine products, after the country’s gross domestic product expanded 5.4 percent in the first quarter of 2025.
“We are concerned about the possible effects of the 17-percent tariff imposed by the government of the United States to the Philippines, especially for skilled Filipino workers employed in export sectors. We believe that the government must prioritize reducing the cost of power and building a strong manufacturing base to attract investors,” said MBC executive director Apa Ongpin. Ongpin said factors had become more relevant in an increasingly uncertain global economy.
Oxford Economics, a UK-based research agency, confirmed that US
tariffs would affect the performance of the global economy.
“We expect the central bank to maintain an accommodative monetary policy stance to support growth. But uncertainty around US tariff policies should continue weighing on the growth outlook. We expect GDP to increase by 5.5 percent y/y this year, down from 5.7 percent in 2024,” Oxford Economics said in a statement.
Department of Trade and Industry
Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque also acknowledged the external headwinds, emphasizing the need for flexibility and inclusive policy-making.
Roque said the first--quarter GDP growth proved the Philippine economy’s enduring resilience, driven by strong consumer spending and robust industry performance.
“The Q1 2025 GDP figures reflect the Philippine economy’s robust resilience, fueled by strong consumer spending and the dynamic contributions of our industries,” she said.
The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that the GDP grew by 5.4 percent in the first quarter of 2025, slightly higher than the previous quarter’s 5.3 percent expansion.
The growth was largely driven by frontloaded infrastructure projects, expanded social protection programs and increased public sector spending in the lead-up to the elections.
Household spending grew by 5.3 percent, up from 4.7 percent last quarter, supported by easing inflation that improved consumer purchasing power and sustained remittance inflows.
FARMERS, FISHERS
MONTH.
By Darwin G. Amojelar
THE Philippines’ gross international reserves (GIR) fell to $104.6 billion as of end-April 2025 from $106.7 billion as of end-March, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Thursday.
It said that despite the decrease, the latest GIR level still provides a robust external liquidity buffer, equivalent to 7.2 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income. It also covers about 3.6 times the country’s short-term external debt based on residual maturity.
The month-on-month decrease in the GIR level reflected mainly the national government’s drawdowns on its foreign currency deposits with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to meet its external debt obligations and pay for its various expenditures and BSP’s net foreign exchange operations, it said. The net international reserves (NIR) also decreased by $2.0 billion to $104.6 billion as of endApril 2025 from the previous month’s level of $106.6 billion.
Michael Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said proceeds from the national government’s $3.29 billion global/ROP bond issuance in February 2025 continued to support the GIR.
AGRICULTURE officials are calling for the restoration of key regulatory powers to the National Food Authority (NFA), saying the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) curtailed the agency’s ability to stabilize rice prices and ensure supply, particularly during emergencies. Under the RTL, which was amended earlier this year, the NFA lost its authority to import rice and sell it directly to the public, functions that previously allowed it to manage buffer stocks and temper market volatility.
NFA administrator Larry Lacson said the NFA has effectively been reduced to a buffer-stocking agency, with its mandate limited to procuring palay (unmilled rice) from local farmers for emergency reserves.
“We can only release stocks through auction in specific situations—when rice is aging, during a declared food emergency, or after a calamity. Even then, failed auctions increase the risk of spoilage,” he said. Lacson said milled rice deteriorates
within two to three months, while palay can last up to six months. However, following the first-in, first-out system, it could take up to nine months before stocks are eligible for auction.
“This leads to inferior quality and higher maintenance costs. Allowing NFA to directly release stocks to the market would ensure better quality rice at more affordable prices,” Lacson said.
Despite these limitations, the NFA increased its buffer stock, with more than 7.7 million 50-kilogram bags
THE National Development Company (NDC) said Thursday it received the second and final tranche of payment from the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) for a 1.3-hectare portion of its five-hectare property in Pandacan, Manila, amounting to P420 million.
The completed transaction comes seven years after negotiations started in 2018. The lengthy process resulted in a sale that reflects the market value of commercial properties in the Pandacan area, NDC general manager Saturnino Mejia said in a statement.
The final payment was collected on April 30, 2025, capping a negotiation process. The first tranche of payment
was released in June 2024.
The acquisition supports the ongoing development of the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 project.
The affected portion forms part of a five-hectare parcel owned by the NDC, which was segmented into three irregular fragments due to the construction of the elevated expressway. The 1.3-hectare section was acquired to accommodate the Skyway’s right-of-way.
“The conclusion of this transaction between NDC and TRB forms part of the strategic infrastructure project of the national government,” Mejia said. Othel V. Campos
purchased, enough to cover 10 days of national consumption. However, its warehouses are nearing capacity.
“We need to restore some of NFA’s powers to help manage the country’s rice situation more effectively. The inability to sell rice directly has also limited NFA’s ability to use its funds strategically—for example, to procure more rice and make market interventions that benefit both farmers and consumers,” said Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel. Othel V. Campos
THE Department of Finance (DOF) was among government agencies lauded by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for its key role in the Philippines’ successful exit from the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) grey list.
The Philippines exited the FATF’s list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring on Feb. 21, 2025, ending its grey list status since June 2021. The DOF is part of the National Anti-Money Laundering/CounterTerrorism Financing/Counter-Proliferation Financing Coordinating Committee (NACC), an inter-agency body overseeing the National AML/CTF/CPF Strategy (NACS) and its implementation across relevant agencies.
Finance Secretary Ralph Recto had said the country’s removal from the grey list served as a “seal of good housekeeping” that strengthened public confidence in its financial system. He said this directly benefited overseas Filipino workers sending remittances, businesses and the Filipino people. By upholding high standards of financial governance, the Philippines would attract more foreign direct investment and expand trade partnerships, helping accelerate economic growth, he said.
The president awarded certificates of commendation, plaques and citations of recognition to the heads of the agencies and other key individuals at Malacañang on May 6, 2025.
By Darwin G. Amojelar
Bank loans grew by nearly 12 percent year-on-year in March 2025, while domestic liquidity expanded by 6.1 percent to more than P18 trillion, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Thursday.
Outstanding loans of universal and commercial banks (U/KBs), net of reverse repurchase (RRP) placements with the BSP, increased by 11.8 percent year-on-year in March, slower than the 12.2-percent expansion in February. The BSP said on a month-on-month
By Jenniffer B. Austria
seasonally-adjusted basis, outstanding U/KB loans, net of RRPs, rose by 0.9 percent.
Outstanding loans to residents, net of RRPs, expanded at a slower pace of 12.3 percent in March from 12.6 percent in February. Meanwhile, outstanding loans to non-residents de-
creased by 5.6 percent in March, following a 3.2-percent decline in the previous month.
Loans for production activities grew by 10.9 percent in March from 11.2 percent in February.
Loan growth eased due to the slower expansion in lending to key industries such as: real estate activities (9.6 percent); wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (11.6 percent); information and communication (8.9 percent); construction (1.8 percent); arts, entertainment and recreation (12.6 percent); water supply, sewerage, waste management and
remediation activities (12.9 percent); and accommodation and food service activities (19.3 percent).
Consumer loans to residents grew by 23.6 percent in March, from 24.1 percent in February, driven by the increase in credit card loans, motor vehicle loans and salary-based general purpose consumption loans.
Meanwhile, domestic liquidity (M3) grew by 6.1 percent year-onyear to about P18.2 trillion in March, following a 6.3-percent growth in February. On a month-on-month seasonally adjusted basis, M3 increased 0.7 percent.
P1.08 billion in the first quarter of 2024, MREIT said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Thursday. The increase came mainly from the full-quarter contribution of six PEZAaccredited office properties acquired in late 2024 and continued rental escalations across MREIT’s high-quality office portfolio.
“This solid start to the year demonstrates the strength of our expanded portfolio and the continued demand for prime office spaces in our strategically located townships,” said MREIT president and chief executive Kevin Tan.
“We remain focused on optimizing returns from our existing assets while exploring further acquisition opportunities that align with our growth strategy,” he said.
MREIT’s gross leasable area stands at 482,000 square meters. It aims to keep growing by expanding its gross leasable area by around 100,000 square meters every year, with a long-term goal of hitting 1 million square meters by 2030.
By Alena Mae S. Flores
SPAIN’S Fondo para la Internacionalización de la Empresa (FIEM) is financing a feasibility study for a submarine power interconnection between the islands of Camiguin and Mindanao, the Department of Energy said.
The project aims to boost the country’s energy infrastructure and regional development.
Energy assistant secretary Mylene Capongcol said during the contract signing for the feasibility study that the initiative, dubbed the Esperanza-Liong Submarine Cable, was a “strategic investment” in the country’s energy fu-
ture.
She said the proposed 69-kilovolt (kV) submarine cable would replace an aging 13.2 kV line currently serving Camiguin. The upgrade is expected to resolve long-standing voltage instability, significantly reduce system losses, and ultimately lower electricity costs for Camiguin residents.
Camiguin, an island province in the Bohol Sea off Mindanao’s northern coast, is powered by the Camiguin Electric Cooperative Inc., the sole energy distributor on the island, based in Mambajao.
Capongcol said the submarine link would enable the full integration of renewable energy from the 100-mega-
watt Owakan wind power project into the Mindanao Grid. The National Electrification Administration (NEA) signed the feasibility study contract with Madrid-based engineering consultancy firm Osprel SL for the project. Osprel specializes in electrical power, networks, renewable energy, and consulting.
NEA administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda and Osprel SL chief executive Maria Inmaculada Blázquez Garcia signed the agreement at the NEA Building in Diliman, Quezon City.
The study will cover electrical, bathymetric, meteorological and environmental aspects to ensure a more reliable energy supply to Camiguin.
clients’ long-term financial goals.
“This milestone marks a pivotal step for UnionBank as we combine our digital leadership with ATRAM’s investment expertise to create smarter, more accessible wealth solutions for Filipinos. Together, we’re redefining asset management through digital-first innovation,” said UnionBank president and chief executive Ana Maria Aboitiz Delgado in a statement.
IN BRIEF
on
SM Leisure Resort Residences (SM LRR), a unit of SM Prime Holdings Inc., is offering Pico Terraces, a multitower mid-rise residential development within a 2.3-hectare enclave at Hamilo Coast in Batangas, as a permanent address for relaxation.
Eighty percent of the land is dedicated to open space, creating a balance between seclusion and connection to the environment. Completion is expected by December 2027.
Located within Pico de Loro Cove, Pico Terraces is an eight-minute walk to Pico Beach and six minutes to both the Beach Club and the Country Club. The development features 211 residences across Ardea Suites and Balea
Suites, with one-, two- and three-bedroom layouts designed to suit various lifestyles.
“Pico Terraces is designed for families and individuals seeking a balanced lifestyle with forested landscapes as their constant backdrop,” said Shirley Ong, executive vice president and business unit head of SM LRR.
“It places you far enough to truly disconnect yet close enough to come and go with ease,” she said.
Located two hours from Metro Manila and 72 kilometers from the SM Mall of Asia, Pico Terraces offers easy access to both mountain and sea, making it suitable for spontaneous getaways or extended stays.
uals can conveniently register for their National ID and open a fully verified GCash account at any of the PhilSys-On-Wheels locations, creating the “one-stop shop” experience for Filipinos. This accelerates onboarding and provides instant access to essential financial tools like savings,
“This
The ATRAM Group (ATRAM) and Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) sign and seal their strategic partnership, following the approval by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas of the merger of their trust entities. Signing the agreement are (from left) ATRAM Group chief executive Michael Ferrer; Manuel Tordesillas, chairman of the board of directors of ATRAM Trust Corp. and ATR Asset Management Inc.; UnionBank of the Philippines president and chief executive Ana Maria Delgado; and UnionBank chief financial officer Manuel Lozano.
SSS OFFICE. Social Security System president and chief executive Robert Joseph Montes De Claro, Social Security commissioner Eva Arcos and Taytay, Rizal Mayor Allan Martine De Leon inaugurate the new SSS Taytay Service Office in Taytay, Rizal on April 28, 2025, bringing better services to the municipality dubbed as the Garments Capital of the Philippines.
Forested landscapes, sweeping mountain vistas and beachside access make Pico Terraces a luxurious coastal escape at Hamilo Coast in Batangas.
LIFE & SHOWBIZ
Two-wheel champ leads campaign for rider protection
TWO-TIME Philippine Superbike champion Raniel Resuello has called for stronger consumer protection and safety measures for motorcycle riders, as the country sees rapid growth in two-wheel vehicle sales.
The Philippines recorded 447,865 new motorcycles on the road in the first quarter of 2025 alone, as the sector continues its postpandemic expansion. About 8,000 new motorcycles are sold daily, contributing to more than 10 million units now registered nationwide. “This significant increase in sales
reflects Filipinos’ deep passion for riding,” Resuello said. “Motorcycles not only boost local tourism but also improve the mobility of people, goods, and services—driving economic activity across the country.”
Resuello, a longtime road safety advocate, said there is an urgent need to shift public perception of riders and push for legislation that recognizes their economic contributions while protecting their welfare. He urged for better access to affordable, high-quality safety gear and motorcycle parts, as well as training programs for both new
and experienced riders.
“Riders are often stigmatized due to viral clips showing crashes, reckless riding, or illegal racing. We need to show the other side— that motorcycles are an economic powerhouse and part of the country’s transport backbone,” he said.
Resuello remains active in community events and mentoring programs, focusing on rider skills, safety, and road courtesy. He said proper training and awareness could reduce road incidents and promote harmony between riders, pedestrians, and other motorists.
Piolo Pascual finds purpose off-screen in support for regional community efforts
By Nickie Wang
CELEBRITY
endorsements are often dismissed as fleeting or superficial, but not Piolo Pascual ’s active support for the Ang Probinsyano Party
First
programs aimed at them must go beyond lip service. He pointed to infrastructure and educational efforts already underway—multi-purpose buildings, roadworks, TESDA training assistance—as proof of progress in areas often excluded from national conversations.
Joining APPL Rep. Alfred “Cong Apid” Delos Santos and nominee Edward Delos Santos in recent rallies across Zamboanga and Pagadian, Pascual chose to voice his support for what he sees as long-overdue attention to basic public needs—livelihood, education, and healthcare—in areas often overlooked.
In Ipil and Titay, where Pascual was welcomed alongside Edward, the tone was consistent: APPL is focused on groundwork, not grandstanding.
Edward, a longtime advocate of grassroots programs, spoke to communities about the Party List’s initiatives since 2019—efforts that aim to support families with practical tools for self-reliance.
The warm reception was not surprising. Across Zamboanga Sibugay, the Party List has garnered support from local officials, including
In Zamboanga City and Pagadian, the message remained consistent. Alongside Cong. Apid, Pascual helped lead discussions on persistent local issues—flooding, water shortages, lack of hospitals—and the need for continuity in service delivery, especially in underserved communities.
While rallies like these may easily be dismissed as campaign performances, it’s important to note that APPL’s current representative has a proven legislative record, and its work continues in barangays often ignored by Manila-based narratives.
each
that
pet brand launched
PETPIN, a new venture dedicated to sustainability and animal welfare, aims to revolutionize pet care with products made entirely from plant-based ingredients.
Co-founders Elpi Jugalbot and Kristine Soguilon launched the brand with the goal of providing Filipino pet owners with ethical and nutritious alternatives for their pets. The brand offers a range of items, including nutrient-rich treats, daily food essentials, and grooming products, all crafted without any animal-derived ingredients.
“If we care about what we eat, why not also care about what our pets consume?” Jugalbot said. “Our products are crueltyfree, vet-approved, and designed with sustainability in mind,” added Soguilon.
Petpin’s products are safe for dogs, with plans to expand to cats in the future. The brand aims to educate pet owners on the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle for animals while reducing environmental impact.
The brand’s products are now available online and in select eco-conscious stores nationwide.
Superbike champ Raniel Resuello pushes for rider protection as motorcycle sales hit record highs
Piolo Pascual voices his belief that probinsyanos deserve long-term solutions, not lip service
Supporters in Zamboanga warmly welcome Piolo Pascual and the Ang Probinsyano Party List during a community rally
Governor Ann Hofer and Mayor Leonardo Talania Pascual, who has been selective in his public affiliations, made it clear that his presence was symbolic. At
stop, he emphasized
probinsyanos are not second-class citizens, and
what matters is whether programs reach those who need them most. For Pascual, this seems to be a personal cause and an ongoing responsibility. For many in the provinces, that may be reason enough to take notice.
producer Piolo Pascual recently traveled to Zamboanga to show his support for local initiatives focused on healthcare, education, and livelihood
