📰 News & Current Affairs

In a message to reporters, Prosecutor General Anthony Fadullon confirmed the summons. He also said the preliminary investigation will be held on May 9 and May 16. During a preliminary investigation, prosecutors will determine if the complaint has “prima facie evidence” with reasonable certainty of conviction before it can be filed before a court. The complaint against Duterte was filed by the National Bureau of Investigation last February, over her threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Marcos and House Speaker Martin Romualdez in a Zoom press conference. Source: DOJ summons Sara Duterte as probe into Marcos death threat starts

“Huwag naman po nating bigyan ng malisya, hayaan po nating makinabang iyong taumbayan sa mga maaaring itulong ng gobyerno sa kanila,” she said. This was a “small recognition of the sacrifice and the contribution of our workers not only to our economy but also to our society,” he said in a video message. Source: Palace defends timing of free MRT, LRT rides

Source: Leaked paper lays out poll attack plan

The Vatican’s criminal court convicted Becciu in 2023 of embezzlement and other finance-related charges at the end of the so-called “trial of the century.” But in recent days, he insisted he was still entitled to vote in the conclave. He withdrew on Tuesday, apparently after he was presented with two letters, written by Pope Francis before his death, saying he shouldn’t participate. Source: Convicted Cardinal Angelo Becciu withdraws from conclave

The senatorial re-electionist and sister of the president appeared before a crowd of Duterte supporters at the event held in support of Vice President Sara and former President Rodrigo Duterte. However, she was noticeably absent by the end of the rally, having walked offstage before VP Sara’s speech concluded. This happened after VP Sara warned Imee that she would be speaking critically about the senator’s brother. After a brief exchange, Imee stepped down from the stage. “I’m going to rant about your brother. You can go now,” VP Sara jokingly told Imee. Source: Imee Marcos walks offstage before VP Sara’s rant on BBM at Carcar rally

“To better protect your travel documents and reduce unnecessary contact, all NAIA security personnel have been instructed not to touch passports during terminal entry and security verification," NAIA said in a statement. "Passengers will simply be asked to show their valid ID or travel document by holding it up themselves,” it added. NAIA said that the recent incident on the torn passport occurred at an airline check-in counter at Terminal 3. However, it clarified that “[t]here has been no report of any mishandling involving NAIA security personnel.” Source: NAIA: Airport security no longer allowed to touch passengers’ passports

The survey found that 60 percent of ãdül† Filipinos E×ρréššed trust in President Marcos, a five-point drop from 65 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024. Meanwhile, 23 percent of respondents said they distrust the President, while 18 percent were undecided. In terms of job performance, 59 percent of Filipinos said they were satisfied with President Marcos’ work, a four-point decline from the 64 percent recorded in November 2024. Dissatisfaction remained at 20 percent, while another 20 percent of respondents were undecided. Despite the declines, President Marcos maintains the highest trust and performance ratings among the country’s top officials. Source: President Marcos still most trusted, approved gov’t official — OCTA

“In mid-April this year, the China Coast Guard exercised sovereign jurisdiction by exercising maritime control at Sandy Cay in the South China Sea,” it reported, without specifying the date of the landing. The officers carried out inspections on the reef “to collect video evidence of relevant îllégâl activities by the Philippines”, and cleared rubbish like plastic bottles, wood sticks and other debris, the report said. “The China Coast Guard will continue to carry out rights protection and law enforcement activities in the waters under China’s jurisdiction in accordance with the law and resolutely safeguard the country’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.” it quoted its spokesperson Liu Dejun as saying. Source...

In a Viber message to INQUIRER.net, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said rice currently priced at P29 per kilo in Kadiwa Centers will be reduced to P20 per kilo starting May 2. Meanwhile, at a briefing in Malacañang, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the rollout of P20 per kilo rice in the Visayas will begin on May 1. Source: Palace: Aside from Cebu, P20/kg rice rolls out at Kadiwa Centers

In a surprise move, former vice president Leni Robredo endorsed two senatorial candidates backed by her political rival President Ferdinand Marcos Jr: Manny Pacquiao and Benhur Abalos. Robredo, who is now running for Naga City mayor, has E×ρréššed support for two of Marcos’ endorsed candidates. Source: Leni Robredo endorses Marcos’ bets Pacquiao, Abalos

Titled “Konsyerto sa Palasyo: Para sa Ating Mga OFWs (overseas Filipino workers),” the concert was held yesterday at the Kalayaan Grounds to honor the sacrifices and hard work of migrant workers and to recognize their contributions to various industries worldwide. Source: Palace holds concert for OFWs

A former special counsel of the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) has asked the Supreme Court to direct the Senate to “immediately” constitute itself into an impeachment court and begin the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. He asked the Court “for the issuance of writ of mandamus directing the members of the Senate to immediately constitute themselves into an impeachment court and forthwith conduct public trial of Vice President Sara Zimmerman Duterte without further delay.” Source: Ex-PCGG lawyer asks Supreme Court to order start of Sara Duterte impeachment trial

After changing her mind about endorsing candidates, Vice President Sara Duterte attended on Thursday a campaign sortie of former Manila mayor Francisco Domagoso or Isko Moreno, who is seeking a return to city hall in the midterm elections. Duterte, speaking before residents of Tondo in Manila, did not officially endorse Moreno, but called him “our beloved mayor of the city of Manila.” Sara hits House members. Duterte took a swipe at members of the House of Representatives from Manila who became key figures in the efforts to have her impeached. Source: VP Sara endorses Isko Moreno

Based on a police report, the suspect entered and stabbed the victims who were sleeping inside the bakery in Barangay Cupang. The victims were workers in the bakery, according to the police. Their bodies were discovered around 6 a.m. on Tuesday and the incident was reported to the police at around 8 a.m. According to the suspect, the victims allegedly plotted to kill him. Source: 7 stabbed to death in Antipolo bakery

Users online felt his outfit choice was not only "disrespectful," but some even called it an "embarrassment." "What is it with Trump that he did not even have the decency to wear a black tie, never mind he wore a blue suit," someone else lamented. Internet users also called out Trump for having "zero decorum" throughout the ceremony, with some people claiming he looked like he was going to fall asleep during the ceremony. "A true embarrassment on a global stage," another user wrote. Source: Donald Trump Wears 'Disrespectful' Wardrobe at Pope Francis' Funeral

Source: Go, Erwin Tulfo lead in latest Tangere senatorial survey

China on Monday warned countries against striking a broader economic deal with the United States at its expense, ratcheting up its rhetoric in a spiralling trade war between the world's two biggest economies. Beijing will firmly oppose any party striking a deal at China's expense and "will take countermeasures in a resolute and reciprocal manner," its Commerce Ministry said. Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/china-opposes-any-deals-between-us-other-nations-its-expense-2025-04-21/

Human rights lawyer Kristina Conti and other lawyers representing the drug war victims said that much of the evidence they found during the preliminary examination and investigation stage was public statements of the former leader. “Videos of Duterte making statements will be there because that is evidence of intention,” she told the Inquirer in a phone interview. Source: Damaging Duterte videos may be used in ICC trial

Source: Go leads senatorial survey by Arkipelago Analytics

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his wife, First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, will attend the funeral of Pope Francis in Vatican City on Saturday, April 26, 2025. This was confirmed by Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro to reporters on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Source: First couple to attend Pope Francis’ funeral

An initial report reaching Camp Crame said the incident happened at about 9:30 p.m. at the barangay hall of Illuru Sur, where Ruma and his team were campaigning. A civilian identified as Merson Abiguebel was injured. Ruma and Abiguebel were brought to the nearest hospital, but the mayor was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician. Source: Cagayan town mayor shot dead in campaign sortie | Philippine News Agency

The Commission on Elections evaluates a video, given as an anonymous tip, which showed Villar present at an apparent raffle and cash giveaway in February. “Mayroong isang kandidato, and at the same time, mayroong nabibigay, nag-aabot ng pera, parang raffle. Nanalo sa isang raffle, tapos nag-aabot ng pera. Pero ‘yung isang kandidato na nandoon, na subject natin for the show cause order, nandoon lang sa stage mismo,” Elnas said, referring to Villar as the “candidate.” Source: Comelec orders Camille Villar to explain alleged vote buying in Cavite activity

“Following the death of Pope Francis, we inform you that the Eucharistic Celebration and Rite of Canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis… has been postponed,” the Vatican said in a brief statement. Dubbed “God’s Influencer” or the “Cyber Apostle”, Acutis spent much of his short life spreading the Catholic faith online. Source: Vatican postpones sainthood for ‘God’s influencer’ after pope’s death

Jay Tarriela, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson, welcomed news of the West Philippine Sea label on Google Maps. "For anyone wondering if you can search for the West Philippine Sea on Google," Tarriela wrote on his social media accounts. The South China Sea, meanwhile, is the larger body of water bordered by China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Taiwan. It encompasses several disputed island groups, including the Spratly Islands and Paracel Islands, and is subject to competing territorial claims from multiple countries in the region, including the Philippines. Source: 'West Philippine Sea' label seen on Google Maps, Google Earth

“Lacanilao should have been detained immediately since the rules do not even mention a need for a show-cause order. However, instead of immediate detention, Lacanilao was given 11 days before he was eventually ordered to be detained. In contrast, it took the administration only several hours to arrest and whisk FPRRD out of the country," Marcos said in a statement. “Furthermore, to add insult to injury, Lacanilao is to be detained for only two days. While ordinary people are locked up until they purge themselves of the contempt, as sanctioned by Section 18, Resolution No. 5, Series of 2010, as amended, Lacanilao is given an ever so gentle slap on the wrist," added Marcos. "Apparently, the rules only apply to ordinary people and not to...

Malacañang on Monday said the decline in the trust and performance rating of President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. could be influenced by the proliferation of fake news. Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro also said during a press briefing that the respondents in the survey do not reflect the entirety of Filipinos. Source: Marcos' decline in trust, performance ratings due to fake news —Palace

In a statement on Wednesday, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said the approval came after the Philippines requested to buy from the US TH-73A training helicopters. The DSCA and Manila have not disclosed how many helicopters the Armed Forces of the Philippines wanted to acquire. Source: US approves sale of training choppers to PH

The International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber 1 directed the prosecution to disclose its evidence not later than July 1 in relation to the crimes against humanity case against Dutae. “This includes all the evidence it intends to rely upon at the confirmation of charges hearing, including the totality of the witness statements and their translations, the exculpatory material that it has identified thus far, and the material falling under rule 77 of the Rules,” the ICC order said. OPINION: Justice is soon to be served. Source: GMA News Online

One of the suspects in the killing of Filipino-Chinese businessman Anson Que was linked to a crime committed against an alleged finance officer of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo in 2024, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday. On August 31, 2024, Fajardo said Guo’s supposed finance officer entered her villa when Liao allegedly covered her mouth, handcuffed her hands and feet, as well as wrapped her head with duct tape. The suspects took money, pieces of jewelry and mobile phones before taking the victim to an unknown location. According to the PNP official, Guo’s alleged finance officer was reportedly forced to sign blank deeds of sale and a promissory note for P10 million along with 15 blank checks. The victim was...

Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian told reporters that there is room to boost trade with the Philippines amid higher US tariffs. “Regarding the trade [between] China and the Philippines, to be frank, it’s big for you, it’s small for us,” he said. Thus, he urged the Philippines to increase its exports to China, saying that they are willing to buy more products from the Philippines that may be affected by higher tariffs slapped by the US. Source: China opens door for more Philippine exports

“The NMESIS I will confirm that it's already in the country. I will not say where but it is going to participate, it is going to be a part of the exercises,” Balikatan spokesperson Brigadier General Michael Logico said at a press conference. Asked if they are planning to keep the anti-ship missile system in the Philippines, US 1st Marine Expeditionary Force’s Colonel Doug Krugman said they would “certainly look to participate” if the equipment is appropriate for more exercises in the country. “If there's another exercise going in the Philippines shortly after Balikatan and that equipment is appropriate and requested for it by the AFP, we would certainly look to participate in that exercise as well,” Krugman. “But it is here for exercise...

In its decision dated April 10, the Court of Appeal’s Second Division affirmed a 2022 ruling by the Caloocan City Regional Trial Court finding Police Officer 1 Jefrey Perez guilty of multiple charges, including torture and planting of evidence. It upheld penalties of reclusión perpetua and two life sentences without parole but reduced the damages awarded to each victim’s family from the original P2 million meted out by the Caloocan court. Source: CA affirms ‘drug war’ cop’s conviction in teens’ killing