📰 News & Current Affairs

At 9:45 AM, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta. After 38 days in hospital, the late Pope returned to his Vatican residence at the Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery. In 1957, in his early 20s, Pope Francis underwent surgery in his native Argentina to remove a portion of his lung that had been affected by a severe respiratory infection. Source: Pope Francis has died on Easter Monday aged 88 - Vatican News

The vice president said that the 10 senatorial candidates of former president Rodrigo Duterte's Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), Marcos, and Villar "are united by a common vision." In a political ad themed "Walang Iwanan," Duterte and Villar affirmed their friendship by doing a fist bump. Source: VP on support for Camille Villar, Imee Marcos: We share a common vision

China's Southern Theatre navy said a Philippines frigate had "illegally intruded" into the waters of Scarborough Shoal on Sunday, "seriously violating" Chinese sovereignty and laws, according to a statement. The navy monitored and drove the vessel away, it said. The navy urged the Philippine side to immediately stop the "infringement and provocation", its spokesperson said in the statement late on Sunday. The Philippine embassy in China did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/china-navy-says-philippine-frigate-illegally-entered-scarborough-shoal-waters-2025-04-20/

In a 20-page order issued on April 17, the ICC's pre-trial chamber approved the Registry’s proposed list of documents that can be used to verify the identity of victims seeking to participate in the proceedings. The chamber said the ICCRegistry had sufficiently detailed each proposed document, including the issuing entity and sample formats, as proof of identity for victim applicants. “This information, together with the procedure for admission of victims to participate in the proceedings adopted above, already ensures the ‘reliability of the identity verification process and significantly reduces the risk of fraud,” the chamber’s orders read. Source: ICC pre-trial chamber denies Duterte camp’s request to restrict victim identity...

Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin launched his fiancee Lauren Sanchez into space Monday with an all-female celebrity crew that included Katy Perry and Gayle King. New Shepard is a fully reusable sub-orbital launch vehicle developed for space tourism by Blue Origin. It was the latest wave in space tourism, where more of the rich and famous than ever before — or lucky and well-connected — can enter the zero-gravity realm traditionally dominated by professional astronauts. Source: https://www.timesofisrael.com/katy-perry-part-of-all-female-crew-launched-to-space-by-bezos-firm/

The attack took place past 4 pm at a covered court in Barangay Tinag-an, Albuera, where Espinosa and his slate were meeting with residents, said Carl Kevin Batistis, a candidate for town councilor on Espinosa’s ticket. Espinosa was rushed to a hospital in Ormoc. Raymund Palad, Espinosa’s lawyer, told Rappler that his client suffered a gunshot wound in the chest. Source: Alleged drug lord Kerwin Espinosa shot while campaigning for mayor in Leyte

Retired police colonel Royina Garma is seeking asylum in the United States, her lawyer Emerito Quilang recently announced. “We are asking for a setting because we are requesting for an asylum. But you know, the government, the US government, is very strict,” Quilang told reporters on Monday, April 14. The former police officer, previously known for her close ties with former president Rodrigo Duterte, faces a local murder plus frustrated murder complaints for the alleged killing of former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) board secretary Wesley Barayuga. Source: Duterte whistleblower Royina Garma seeks asylum in US

Escudero says "approval of the Senate President is not automatic nor ministerial simply because she desires it." The Senate President, however, said that he issued a show cause order for Lacanilao within the day asking him to explain within 5 days why he should not be cited in contempt. He added that only then will he decide whether to sign the detention order ."I will not allow the Senate nor the Office of the Senate President to be used to further petty partisan interests, especially by those actively seeking reelection in coming May midterm polls," he added. Source: Chiz to Imee: 'Senate not a tool for self-promotion'

“I hope we can at least get 50 percent of the 1.321 million voters because we are introducing Internet voting,” Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said in an interview on Saturday. Of the 93 posts abroad, he said, 77 would use Internet voting, where Filipinos could vote through their gadgets, such as cellphones, tablets, and laptops. Garcia encouraged those who have not yet enrolled to have themselves listed by enrolling at ov.comelec.gov.ph/enroll. Source: Month-long overseas voting starts April 13 | Philippine News Agency

The bodies were stuffed into a nylon sack. Their heads were wrapped with duct tape, and their hands tied behind their backs. Que and Pabillo were last seen alive on the afternoon of March 29, when they left Valenzuela City for a meeting. On Tuesday, April 8, the victim's vehicle was found in Barangay Bahay Toro in Quezon City. Source: Joint task force to probe Que kidnap-slay incident

Examinations for elementary education will now focus on two vital specializations, particularly the Early Childhood Education and Special Needs Education. “Through this Joint Circular, we are making that process more than just relevant, more responsive, to every single examinee,” he said. “Alongside this, we are giving education graduates not just another shot —but we are giving them a good chance. Because what they learn should prepare them for the test that they are meant to take and the classrooms they are meant to lead.” Source: JMC aligning teachers’ board exam with teacher educ curriculum inked | Philippine News Agency

The full list of “probable winners” based on the Pulse Asia March 2025 survey are as follows: Senator Christopher Go (61.9%, solo 1st) ACT-CIS Representative Erwin Tulfo (51.1%, 2nd-3rd places) Senator Ronald dela Rosa (48.7%, 2nd-3rd places) Former Senate president Vicente Sotto III (44.2%, 4th place) Senator Pia Cayetano (37.5%, 5th to 10th places) Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. (36.9%, 5th to 11th places) Former senator Panfilo Lacson (36.0%, 5th to 11th places) Willie Revillame (35.7%, 5th to 12th places) Ben Tulfo (35.4%, 5th to 12th places) Makati City Mayor Marlen Abigail Binay (35.3%, 5th to 12th places) Senator Manuel Lapid (33.3%, 6th to 13th places) Former senator Emmanuel Pacquiao...

The State Department told Congress it has approved a possible $5.6 billion sale of F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines, a move that would send US warplanes to a key ally in Southeast Asia that has clashed with China. The proposed sale is for 20 F-16’s, made by Lockheed Martin Corp., and other equipment including missiles, radars and spare engines, according to a statement from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. The announcement comes days after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited the Philippines. Source: US State Department Approves $5.6 Billion in F-16s for Philippines

Tariffs on U.S. goods entering China will rise to 84% from 34% starting April 10, according to a translation of a Office of the Tariff Commission of the State Council announcement. The hike comes in response to the latest U.S. tariff increase on Chinese goods to more than 100% that began at midnight. Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/09/china-slaps-retaliatory-tariffs-of-84percent-on-us-goods-in-response-to-trump.html

In my view, the warrant of arrest is legal, however, I believe that the surrender is not. Because the surrender must be pursuant to a treaty and therefore our own law, Section 17 of Republic Act 9851, brought back the statute of Rome even after withdrawal because it requires that a surrender must be pursuant to the applicable treaty," the former associate justice said. "And therefore, in this case the applicable treaty remains the statute of Rome and thus, we have to follow Article 59 of the Statute of Rome that requires that the custodial state—namely the Philippines—must first bring the arrested person to a local court to determine two things," he added. Source: Ex-SC justice Azcuna: Warrant vs. Duterte 'legal,' surrender was not

“As expected, Senate President Chiz Escudero refused to sign the contempt order. Just like he refused to sign the subpoenas. This time, he went even further—he ordered Lacanilao’s release, in spite of the ambassador’s blatant and repeated lies before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations,” Imee said. The senator said that not signing the contempt order was an insult to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations as the ambassador was “free to walk, hours after he blatantly lied, under oath, over and over again to the Committee.” Source: Special envoy cited in contempt ordered released by Chiz, says Imee

"On the pretext of honoring bilateral treaties, the US is meddling in the South China Sea issue, undermining China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and attempting to threat and coerce China. "It fully exposed their true intention of making troubles in the region. To the Philippine side, relying on foreign support to 'make waves at sea' will backfire and being a pawn will only be used and discarded," said Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense (MND), at a press briefing on Wednesday. Source: Philippines' relying on foreign support to make trouble in South China Sea will backfire: Defense Spokesperson - Ministry of National Defense

Glennon Salvador Payabyab, 43, was arrested in Springville, Staten Island, on April 3, who allegedly attempted to meet a 12-year-old girl and sent her inappropriate texts. “These are deeply troubling allegations, but they are mere allegations that Mr. Payabyab vehemently denies,” said Kyle Peters, Payabyab’s attorney, in a report by SILive.com. “Mr. Payabyab is a respected member of the community with no criminal history. We are gravely concerned about the tone and nature of online rhetoric surrounding this case.” Payabyab is set to appear in court on June 3, 2025. Source: INC minister arrested in New York after allegedly texting a minor

“We are on the front lines, witnessing the devastating effects of tobácco, alcóhol, and váping on our communities, especially the youth,” Dr. Hector Santos, the president of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), said. “More than 115,000 Filipinos die yearly because of these harmful products. Taxing these substances is a life-saving measure, more than an economic tool. It is our responsibility to protect the next generation from preventable diseases and early deaths caused by these harmful products.” Source: https://mb.com.ph/2025/4/8/115-000-pinoys-die-each-year-from-tobácco-vápe-and-alcóhol-health-experts-warn

According to the SC Information Office, the En Banc issued a show cause order against Lambino on April 2 after he falsely claimed that the High Court had issued a TRO against the arrest of Duterte. “This misinformation caused public confusion and misled the people about the Supreme Court’s actions,” the SC said in a press conference. Source: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2051015/sc-orders-raul-lambino-explain-false-info-on-tro-vs-duterte-arrest

SENATE PRESIDENT Francis G. Escudero on Sunday said that officials and cabinet members will now attend the third Senate hearing on the arrest of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte, scheduled this week. “I took it upon myself to bridge the gap between the executive department and the Senate. The hearing will be moved to April 10 and the invited officials will now attend,” Mr. Escudero said in a radio interview. Source: Cabinet to attend Duterte probe - BusinessWorld Online

A source in the AFP showed The Manila Times a document containing General Order 196, which was issued on Feb. 10. The order, which was prepared by AFP deputy chief of staff Lt. Gen. Jimmy Larida and signed by Adjutant Gen. Bernardo Fortez Jr., disbanded the VPSPG effective Feb. 6. Source: Vice president's security group disbanded

Source: 17 OFW na inaresto sa Qatar binigyan ng provisional release

A senior official in Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government confirmed this hours after Israel's leader Benjamin Netanyahu, who is sought under an ICC arrest warrant, arrived in Hungary for a state visit. Orban had invited Netanyahu as soon as the warrant was issued last November, saying the ruling would have "no effect" in his country. Source: Hungary withdraws from International Criminal Court during Netanyahu visit

Philippine officials asked their Qatari counterparts if any charges had been filed against the OFWs. Given the lack of charges, the Filipinos were provisionally released. These OFW’s legal defense is ready upon the president’s orders, Cacdac said. Source: Qatar officials temporarily release OFWs detained for pro-Duterte rally

“That’s a blatant lie,” Dela Rosa said during Thursday’s Senate committee on foreign relations hearing, which continues to probe former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest and ICC detention. “There were spot reports, progress reports, development reports—all the way to the filing of cases with the DOJ. We made sure every case had a file,” Dela Rosa said. Source: Bato Slams Remulla Over Claim of Missing Police Reports in Drug War Deaths - Rapid News PH

“China’s state security authorities have uncovered a case of Filipino espionage and apprehended three Filipino nationals suspected of spying in the country,” Global Times said on X (formerly Twitter). “The investigation revealed that Philippine intelligence agencies have long been focused on gathering information about China’s military deployments,” it added. Source: 3 Filipinos nabbed for suspected espionage in Beijing —Chinese state media

China’s foreign ministry on Wednesday, April 2, urged certain people in the Philippines not to make “unfounded comments” regarding Taiwan, warning “those who play with fire will burn themselves.” Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun’s remarks at a regular press conference came in response to Philippine armed forces chief Romeo Brawner telling soldiers to “start planning for actions in case there is an invasion of Taiwan.” Source: China urges Philippines not to play with fire on Taiwan question

This was after these officials skipped the senate committee on foreign relations hearing on Thursday. Among the subject of the subpoenas are Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Rommel Francisco Marbil, PNP Spokesperson Brigadier General Jean Fajardo, and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Chief Brigadier General Nicholas Torre. These officials played major roles in Duterte’s arrest. Marcos argued that police officers are not covered by executive privilege since they are not cabinet members. Source: https://www.brigadanews.ph/senate-subpoenas-pnp-top-officials-on-icc-arrest-of-duterte/

The renewed deployment of American troops to the Philippines, as confirmed by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during his Manila visit last week, was met with criticism within Filipino fishing communities. "We are not soldiers, but we are the first casualties in this conflict. Every time there is a military exercise, we lose access to traditional fishing grounds. Explosions in the sea drive away fish, and pollution resulting from military drills poisons the waters. It's destroying our livelihood," a fisherman who requested anonymity told The Manila Times in Filipino. Source: 'US military presence harmful to fishing communities'

Last week, Putin suggested the possibility of a UN-run government in Ukraine to organise new elections and then begin peace talks. Trump's comments mark a change in tone towards Putin. Over the past six weeks, Trump has publicly harangued Zelensky and demanded numerous concessions from Ukraine's president. Source: Donald Trump 'very angry' with Vladimir Putin over ceasefire negotiations

"Nakakalungkot naman kasi alam ninyo maraming tanong pa rin,” Senator Imee said. “Ang dami nga nagti-text, nagtatanong. And there are new information. “They said it’s because of executive privilege and [the case being] sub judice, but we all know that the Supreme Court has prohibited that. ES Bersamin is a former chief justice, and he knows that executive privilege is not a blanket authority. You invoke that depending on the question fielded, one by one,” Senator Imee said. “Walang pangkalahatan na executive privilege na [para sa] lahat ng topics,” she added. Source: Imee: Cabinet officials won't attend Day 2 of Senate probe into Duterte arrest