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Saturday, May 17, 2025
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People use their umbrellas against the heat and drizzle in Pasay on April 28, 2025. With the heat index in the city on the extreme, a drizzle has very little or no impact at all on the hot weather. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

ITCZ, easterlies bring rains over PH but 28 areas under dangerous heat index levels

By Philippine News Agency

HEADLINES: 82% turnout highest for midterm polls | May 17, 2025

HEADLINES: 82% turnout highest for midterm polls | May 17, 2025

An exterior view of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, The Netherlands, 11 March 2025. EPA-EFE/ROBIN UTRECHT

ICC president asks 2 judges to respond to Duterte disqualification petition

By Javier Joe Ismael

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Erwin Garcia. PHOTO BY RENE H DILAN

82% turnout highest for midterm polls

By Franco Jose C. Baroña and Aric John Sy Cua

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De Lima: Lower court ruling on drug case 'final, unappealable'

By Bernadette E. Tamayo

ICC president asks 2 judges to respond to Duterte disqualification petition

82% turnout highest for midterm polls

De Lima: Lower court ruling on drug case 'final, unappealable'

Today's Weather, 5 A.M. | May 17, 2025

A “Rail Service Suspended” sign is displayed at the Secaucus Junction Station in Secaucus, New Jersey, during a transit strike on May 16, 2025. Train services ground to a halt in New Jersey one minute after midnight on May 16, according to the railway operator, as the US state's first mass transit strike in decades took hold following a pay dispute. The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) union is seeking new contracts for around 450 engineers with hourly wages matching those of the neighboring Long Island Rail Road. (Photo by Leonardo Munoz / AFP)

Train strike sparks travel mess in New York area

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein (C-R) welcomes Yemen’s President Rashad Mohammed al-Alimi (C) upon arrival at Baghdad International Airport ahead of the 34th Arab League summit on May 17, 2025. (Photo by AHMAD AL-RUBAYE / POOL / AFP)

Arab League to meet in Baghdad to discuss regional crises

Jessa Mae Tabuan IPF PHOTO

Beyond the gold, Tabuan glad to promote powerlifting in PH after successful stint 

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 03: Chris Brown performs during The 11:11 Tour at T-Mobile Arena on August 03, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mindy Small/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Mindy Small / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

US singer Chris Brown ordered held until June in UK assault case

Italian singer Gabry Ponte, representing San Marino with the song "Tutta L’Italia”, performs during the dress rehearsal for the final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 at the St. Jakobshalle arena in Basel on May 16, 2025. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP)

Lights, cameras, action at Eurovision Song Contest final

US President Donald Trump attends a business forum in Abu Dhabi on May 16, 2025. The United Arab Emirates is the third leg of Trump's visit to the region, which has already taken him to Saudi Arabia and Qatar. (Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP)

Trump blasts Supreme Court over block on deportations

(FILES) International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim Khan poses during an interview with AFP at the Cour d'Honneur of the Palais Royal in Paris on February 7, 2024. International Criminal Court chief prosecutor Karim Khan, being probed for alleged misconduct, is stepping down temporarily, his office announced on May 16, 2025. Khan "communicated his decision to take leave until the end" of the UN internal investigation, and his deputy prosecutors will run the office in his absence, it said in a statement. (Photo by Dimitar DILKOFF / AFP)

ICC prosecutor, under investigation, steps aside temporarily

A woman walks past signage for the US Department of Homeland Security in Washington, DC, March 24, 2025. The United States said March 21, 2025, it was terminating the legal status of hundreds of thousands of immigrants, giving them weeks to leave the country. They will lose their legal protection 30 days after the Department of Homeland Security's order is published in the Federal Register, which is scheduled for March 25. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP)

US considering reality TV competition for citizenship

South Korea's ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is facing charges of orchestrating a rebellion when he declared martial law on December 3, 2024, arrives to attend his trial at the Seoul Central District Court in Seoul on May 12, 2025. South Korea's former president Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in court May 12 for the third hearing of his criminal trial to defend himself against insurrection charges over his short-lived declaration of martial law. (Photo by Ahn Young-joon / POOL / AFP)

SKorea ex-president Yoon says leaving party ahead of snap elections

NU’s Bella Belen PHOTO BY RIO DELUVIO

PVL hopefuls enter final week before draft deadline

Antonio Contreras

On the Contrary

Counting on trust: Addressing electoral integrity concerns in 2025 elections

By Antonio Contreras

Remoto Control

World Bank Rx on Philippine education

By Danton Remoto

Amado Tolentino Jr.

Ambassadors’ Corner

An international court for the environment?

By Amado Tolentino Jr.

Al Vitangcol III

All Insight

Lacson asked to probe national ID fiasco

By Al Vitangcol III

Today's Front Page

A refinement, not a silver bullet

Co-ownership of property for unions with legal impediments

By Persida Acosta

Mauro Gia Samonte

My Say

Will there be a second Marcos fall?

By Mauro Gia Samonte

Anna Malindog-Uy

Headsight

Between retribution and resurrection: The 2025 midterms and the fight for 2028

By Anna Malindog-Uy

By Alvin Santos

John Paul L. Zaldarriaga

New maritime dilemmas

By John Paul L. Zaldarriaga

Rigoberto D. Tiglao

Hate against Marcoses got Bam, Kiko to win

By Rigoberto D. Tiglao

BUSINESS

Common station deal canceled due to delays

By Franco Jose C. Baroña

Jessa Mae Tabuan IPF PHOTO

SPORTS

Beyond the gold, Tabuan glad to promote powerlifting in PH after successful stint 

By Nicole Anne D.G. Bugauisan

A “Rail Service Suspended” sign is displayed at the Secaucus Junction Station in Secaucus, New Jersey, during a transit strike on May 16, 2025. Train services ground to a halt in New Jersey one minute after midnight on May 16, according to the railway operator, as the US state's first mass transit strike in decades took hold following a pay dispute. The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) union is seeking new contracts for around 450 engineers with hourly wages matching those of the neighboring Long Island Rail Road. (Photo by Leonardo Munoz / AFP)

WORLD

Train strike sparks travel mess in New York area

By Agence France-Presse

Jonathan Manalo delivers a heartfelt speech of gratitude to the audience during the gala night of Delia D. musical

What happens when a hitmaker says 'yes' to theater?

By Franchesca Fabiana

Justin Ho and John Guarmes

LIFESTYLE

Icons of Change Awards 2025 make waves during Metro Manila SDG Action Summit

By Becky Garcia

A bicycle made of bamboo, pedals made out of rice husk, buy back equipment promotions -- all collectively pushing for sustainable and clean air and healthy living -- was on display at the Multi City Bike Mechanic Workshop and Bike Exhibit at the Quezon City Memorial Circle on May 16, 2025. The event highlighted the importance of sustainability and community participation in creating a cleaner, healthier environment through innovative, eco-friendly mobility solutions. PHOTOS BY ISMAEL DE JUAN

May 16, 2025

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia says the poll body is prioritizing payment of honorariums to teachers who served in the May 12, 2025 National and Local Elections. At a press conference at the Tent Manila Hotel in Manila on May 16, Garcia said that the 12 winning senators would be proclaimed at 3 p.m. on May 17. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN

COMELEC PRIORITY

May 16, 2025

Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga speaks during the 'Save from Extinction' campaign event at the SM Mall of Asia Main Mall Atrium on May 16, 2025. The event aims to raise awareness about wildlife conservation and generate much-needed funds to help protect six critically endangered species native to the Philippines: the dugong, Philippine eagle, pawikan, pangolin, Philippine cockatoo, and tamaraw. Also present in the event were Hans Sy, chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime; Steven Tan, SM Supermalls president; Hanna Carina Sy, assistant vice president for marketing at SM Supermalls, as well as representatives from various non-government organizations dedicated to preserving endangered wildlife. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN

WILDLIFE PRESERVATION

May 16, 2025

Legal restrictions on the Commission on Elections jurisdiction before the official campaign period that limited its ability to address vote-buying and misuse of state resources is one of the observations of the International Election Observation Mission (IEOM) during the midterm polls on May 12, 2025. In a press briefing in Manila on May 16, the IEOM, led by Rohana Hettiarachchie, head of mission of the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL), also noted that political campaigns remained dominated by personalities rather than policies. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN

May 16, 2025

Jayson Sze, Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry youth committee co-chairman; Victor Lim, newly-elected FFCCCII president and FFCCCII Youth Committee Chairman Peter Mangasing talk about the TikTok video competition for the youth in celebration of 50 years of Philippine - China diplomatic relations during a forum in Quezon City on May 16, 2025. PHOTOS BY JOHN ORVEN VERDOTE

May 16, 2025

Senate President Vicente 'Tito' Sotto 3rd PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

Nation

Sotto open to assuming Senate presidency again

(UPDATE) RETURNING Sen. Vicente Sotto III expressed his willingness to reassume the role of Senate president. In a Zoom press briefing Friday, Sotto revealed there are discussions regarding his possible leadership position in the 20th Congress. "Yes, I would be lying if I said no. People are talking to me," Sotto said. He made it clear that he prefers not to seek the position actively but is open to it if he is assured support. "I am the heir to the oldies; if they have the numbers, I will accept," he said. Sotto believes he has the necessary skills to lead the Senate once again. He said

By Javier Joe Ismael - May 17, 2025

DOJ eyes travel ban on Roque, Ong

Bini makes Forbes '30 Under 30 Asia' list

Namfrel finds no election fraud

Palace steers clear of Sara impeachment

ASP aims to make history with 'Angels Walk for Autism 2025'

DSWD invites applicants for nationwide govt internship

BI warns vs sophisticated human trafficking tactics

Congress told: Work together

Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia. TMT FILE PHOTO

Garcia concedes, gets TRO for suspension

Aboitiz gets OPS for bulk water project

Commission on Elections Central Visayas director Francisco Pobe Jr. confirmed that there were misplaced printed ballots in Cebu and Bohol on election day, May 12, 2025. PHOTO BY KAISER JAN FUENTES

Candidates told: Remove tarpaulins

Palaui regulates boat operations

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein (C-R) welcomes Yemen’s President Rashad Mohammed al-Alimi (C) upon arrival at Baghdad International Airport ahead of the 34th Arab League summit on May 17, 2025. (Photo by AHMAD AL-RUBAYE / POOL / AFP)

Arab League to meet in Baghdad to discuss regional crises

By Agence France-Presse

US President Donald Trump attends a business forum in Abu Dhabi on May 16, 2025. The United Arab Emirates is the third leg of Trump's visit to the region, which has already taken him to Saudi Arabia and Qatar. (Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP)

Trump blasts Supreme Court over block on deportations

(FILES) International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim Khan poses during an interview with AFP at the Cour d'Honneur of the Palais Royal in Paris on February 7, 2024. International Criminal Court chief prosecutor Karim Khan, being probed for alleged misconduct, is stepping down temporarily, his office announced on May 16, 2025. Khan "communicated his decision to take leave until the end" of the UN internal investigation, and his deputy prosecutors will run the office in his absence, it said in a statement. (Photo by Dimitar DILKOFF / AFP)

ICC prosecutor, under investigation, steps aside temporarily

A woman walks past signage for the US Department of Homeland Security in Washington, DC, March 24, 2025. The United States said March 21, 2025, it was terminating the legal status of hundreds of thousands of immigrants, giving them weeks to leave the country. They will lose their legal protection 30 days after the Department of Homeland Security's order is published in the Federal Register, which is scheduled for March 25. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP)

US considering reality TV competition for citizenship

South Korea's ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is facing charges of orchestrating a rebellion when he declared martial law on December 3, 2024, arrives to attend his trial at the Seoul Central District Court in Seoul on May 12, 2025. South Korea's former president Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in court May 12 for the third hearing of his criminal trial to defend himself against insurrection charges over his short-lived declaration of martial law. (Photo by Ahn Young-joon / POOL / AFP)

SKorea ex-president Yoon says leaving party ahead of snap elections

Las Vegas Metro Police officers talk with gym members after a shooting at a Las Vegas Athletic Club on May 16, 2025 in Las Vegas. PHOTO BY STEVE MARCUS/LAS VEGAS SUN VIA AP

2 dead, others injured in Las Vegas gym shooting, police say

IN TROUBLE AGAIN Premchai Karnasuta, president of Italian-Thai Development Co., arrives on a wheelchair to surrender at the Bang Sue Police Station in Thailand’s capital Bangkok on May 16, 2025. AP PHOTO

Thai tycoon yields over building felled by quake

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)

Top Business

Financial sector resources hit P34.3T

THE Philippine financial system's total resources grew by almost 6.78 percent in March, data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed, rising to P34.29 trillion from the P32.11 a year earlier. Banks accounted for the bulk of these at P28.46 trillion, increasing by 7.58 percent from P26.45 trillion previously. Universal and commercial banks accounted for the bulk at P26.63 trillion, an increase of 7.46 percent compared to P24.78 trillion a year ago. Thrift banks held P1.17 trillion, 5.23 percent more than the P1.12 trillion in March last year. Money in digital banks amounted

By Giselle P. Jordan - May 17, 2025

'Fundamental challenges' worry APEC trade chiefs

BSP to halt operations of coin deposit machines

Rice price falls, pork costlier in early May

Peso gains anew; PSEi flat due to 'dismal' indicators

PH, Chile trade chiefs talk at APEC meeting

Alliance Global profit up 66% to P11B in Q1

Palawan gets mobile energy units from DOE, USAid

PLDT Inc. announces annual stockholders' meeting

Palawan Group of Companies wins seven Stevie Global Awards

ABS-CBN trims first quarter loss to P500M

Accentuate professional growth much more at Accenture

GT Capital earnings hit P9B in Jan-March

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Sports

Shopwise bike fest rides high in Imus

MANILA, Philippines -- The spirit of community, health and fitness comes alive on Sunday, May 18 as the Shopwise Bike Fest returns to the Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus City, Cavite, drawing 2,862 cyclists of all ages and backgrounds. With a clear mission to promote an active lifestyle and foster stronger community bonds, this year's second staging of the event proves even bigger and bolder than before. The event features multiple race categories tailored to varying skill levels and distances, including 30km, 45km and 60km fun rides, with the 45-km category drawing the highest turnout of

PVL hopefuls enter final week before draft deadline

Cone, Ginebra brace for tough road to top 4

NBA champion Celtics eliminated from playoffs by rampant Knicks

Murray powers Nuggets over Thunder to force Game 7

World Cup bid is tough but doable – Cone

Perpetual Help snaps 2-game losing skid

Sinner demolishes Ruud to reach semis

Vegas birdies 5 of last 6 to grab PGA lead

Boardroom Watch

Magnanimous leadership

By Angely L. Mercado

No Image

Stock indices as of May 14, 2025

The MSC Daria at BCT. PHOTO FROM ICTSI

Baltic Container Terminal joins MSC Britannia Service

Responsible gaming tops agenda as PCSO holds Agents' Summit

Recounting stories of mothers' love and sacrifices

EAT AND LOVE Nothing beats bonding with family and loved ones over food. PHOTO FROM SM

All she deserves: Unforgettable quality time ideas this #MothersDayAtSM

EXCLUSIVITY AND COMFORT Panglao Oasis, a resort-inspired community by Filinvest Land, is designed for ultimate relaxation and recreation.
Featured in the photo is the Panglao Oasis clubhouse, which boasts an expansive pool and modern amenities, offering a serene retreat within the city. PHOTO FROM FILINVEST DEVELOPMENT CORP.

A growing legacy of making Filipino dreams a reality

COMMITMENT TO SERVE The partnership reflects the two companies' promise of continuous progress in ensuring each order placed is delivered swiftly and safely. IMAGE FROM J&T EXPRESS PHILIPPINES

Tmt Newswire

Chill sa Bilis: J&T Express Philippines, TikTok Shop join hands to deliver orders swiftly

J&T Express Philippines, the leading express delivery platform in the country, and TikTok Shop have premiered a new TV commercial advertisement, "Chill sa Bilis," showcasing the convenience of ordering on TikTok as well as efficient deliveries through J&T Express. The partnership between J&T Express Philippines and TikTok Shop offers users a nationwide shipping voucher with a ₱0 minimum spend. The collaborative project features the benefits of ordering on TikTok Shop's easy-to-navigate app interface. It also spotlights the real-time tracking feature available on the J&T Philippines

Cebu gears up for WinZir Color Run 2025 on July 19

TEFL Institute leads the 'Top Five TEFL Companies of 2025' list

Art Gallery by The Manila Hotel unveils 'Flowers of May'

PhilHealth, DepEd ensure health coverage for learners

AIA PH wins gold at Reader's Digest Trusted Brands Awards

Clark boosts tourism ties, welcomes Sunlight Air's Grand Travel Fest

Pete Velasquez Jr. mounts 'Miniatures' at the Gateway Gallery

L!NCS launches Pathfinder Lab, revolutionizes cancer care in PH

LG leads global OLED TV market for 12th year

Serving true Japanese excellence: Panasonic, Lexus host an exclusive sushi mastery event

Fidencio Balauag II empowers entrepreneurs through Noir PH and Primals Digital Marketing Services

Swipe right on sadness: Peej and Dhruv Visvanath are a match made in music heaven on 'Pieces'

The country's future depends on the ability of its students to read about life, understand how things work — and ultimately choose their destiny. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

Campus Press

'The country's future depends on its students'

By Crizza Mae Saquing

University of Perpetual Help System Dalta (UPHSD) president Dr. Anthony Tamayo, UPHSD cofounder Dr. Daisy Tamayo, San Miguel Foundation chairman Cecile Ang, and Bureau of Corrections Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. at the turnover ceremonies of the renovated University of Perpetual Help Bilibid Extension School at Camp Sampaguita Medium Security Compound, New Bilibid Prison, Muntinlupa. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

San Miguel renovates school for inmates

NTC SmartClass is a homeschooling program that empowers students to learn at their own pace, explore their interests, and stay actively engaged in their studies and their lives. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Why homeschooling clicks

IMAGES FROM SOUTHEAST ASIA’S GREEN ECONOMY REPORT (6TH ED)

Green Industries

Solutions add $120B to SEA-6 GDP by 2030

By The Manila Times

The Silakbo Fun Run 2025. PHOTO FROM SAVE SILANG-SANTA ROSA RIVER FOUNDATION INC.

Silakbo raises funds for Silang-Santa Rosa River

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Government, private-sector dialog to advance UN's SDG

GAT’s Ethan David PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK/ETHANOFFICIALPAGE

GAT's Ethan David denies 'grooming' allegations after viral video sparks backlash

By Iza Iglesias - May 16, 2025

Maymay Entrata mourns passing of her mother

'Choosing' to feel

Daredevil Tom Cruise and his 'Mission: Impossible' wow Cannes

Sean Combs's ex Cassie alleges pattern of abuse ahead of defense grilling

Life goes on for Lani Misalucha even after health setback

SB19 begins a new chapter

1200x630

Kai Montinola on what it really means to be confident

By Iza Iglesias - May 17, 2025

Uniqlo collabs with Anya Hindmarch anew

'Men need sunscreen too'

Solutions for healthy, glowing skin

Girme Gutierrez: Dancing through life

Biggest health and wellness event returns with greater deals

Public vs. private healthcare: bridging the inequality gap

The Sunday Times Magazine

Where love leads, a mother builds

May 11, 2025

Siargao’s Cloud 9 — one of the best surf spots in the world. PHOTOS COURTESY OF SUNLIGHT AIR

Siargao — from surf breaks to boutique stays

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Mat Nam turns up the heat with Michelin-starred chef Kisu Bang

Mae Paner, aka Juana Change, at the newly inaugurated Kawa Pilipinas kitchen on Ayala St., Malate, Manila — built on a lot donated by De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde to support her ongoing mission to feed the hungry. PHOTOS COURTESY OF MAE PANER

KITCHEN FOR BELOVEDS GETS OWN PLACE AT DLS-CSB LOT

Carla-Bianca-Ravanes-Higham

Rainy season reads that stay with you

The Manila Times CSI

Mrs. Ishiba visits the Philippine National School for the Deaf. PHOTOS FROM CABINET PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE

Expats & Diplomats

Japanese PM's wife strengthens cultural, education ties in PH

Stock Watch

Stock indices as of May 14, 2025

Only 16 examples of the Batur Convertible will be made. BENTLEY PHOTOS

Fast Times

Bentley Batur Convertible makes stunning debut in Dubai

The MSC Daria at BCT. PHOTO FROM ICTSI

Maritime

Baltic Container Terminal joins MSC Britannia Service

By Genivi Verdejo - May 14, 2025

The front perspective. IMAGES FROM AR. ROYAL PINEDA

Build & Design

Designing the decrepit with luxury

By Jovi Miroy - May 13, 2025

IMAGES FROM SOUTHEAST ASIA’S GREEN ECONOMY REPORT (6TH ED)

Green Industries

Solutions add $120B to SEA-6 GDP by 2030

By The Manila Times - May 17, 2025

The country's future depends on the ability of its students to read about life, understand how things work — and ultimately choose their destiny. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

Campus Press

'The country's future depends on its students'

By Crizza Mae Saquing - May 15, 2025

Boardroom Watch

Magnanimous leadership

By Angely L. Mercado - May 16, 2025

Agribusiness

Agri-economist urges stronger science-policy interface

By Leander C. Domingo - May 15, 2025