US should look before it leaps into South China Sea: Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth took a trip across the Pacific recently and it came at an uncertain time ...
asiatimes.com/2025/04/us-should-look-before-it-leaps-into-south-china-sea/

Key Facts: Caution Needed Before Engaging in South China Sea
8h · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: asiatimes.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: asiatimes.com
- Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's recent Pacific trip occurred amid rising tensions between the US and China.
- The Philippines views Taiwan as a strategic buffer and supports US military presence, while public sentiment in the Philippines remains critical of China.
- The military tensions and close connection between Taiwan and the Philippines pose significant risks of conflict escalation.
- A cautious diplomatic approach is essential to prevent escalation in the South China Sea.
Washington must 'look before it leaps' and adopt a far more cautious approach.— Lyle Goldstein, director of Asia engagement at Defense Priorities, warns against reckless intervention in the South China Sea.
BREAKING: Three suspects are now in custody for the killing of Filipino-Chinese steel businessman Anson Que, the PNP announced ... Show more
Over eight years after “The Accountant,” Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal are returning to work hand-in-hand in the second installment of the
Over eight years after “The Accountant,” Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal are returning to work hand-in-hand in the second installment of the
IN PICS | Catholic trio nailed to crosses to re-enact Christ's crucifixion: Christian devotees from the Philippines were nailed to a cross on Friday in a ...
timeslive.co.za/news/world/2025-04-18-in-pics-catholic-trio-nailed-to-crosses-to-re-enact-christs-crucifixion/

Senador po ang hinahanap, hindi dancer 😅💃
Tingnan sa Rappler election site ang track record ng mga kumakandidato ngayong eleksiyon ... Show more
2025 Philippine senatorial, party list, and local elections
2025 Philippine senatorial, party list, and local elections
Key Facts: Supreme Court temporarily halts deportations of Venezuelans
4h · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: apnews.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: apnews.com
- The Supreme Court temporarily blocked the deportations of Venezuelans in Texas under an 18th-century law.
- This decision followed an emergency appeal from the ACLU, which highlighted concerns over the detainees' legal representation.
- A judge denied a request to immediately halt deportations while the ACLU pointed to potential illegal actions by authorities.
- The administration plans to return to the Supreme Court quickly to seek the lifting of the temporary order.
"We are deeply relieved that the Court has temporarily blocked the removals. These individuals were in imminent danger of spending the rest of their lives in a brutal Salvadoran prison without ever having had any due process."— ACLU lawyer Lee Gelernt said in an email.
A Japanese bus driver of 29 years was denied his retirement money worth 12 million yen ($84,000 or nearly PhP5 million) after he was caught stealing 1 ... Show more
Bus driver loses $84,000 pension after he was caught stealing $7
Bus driver loses $84,000 pension after he was caught stealing $7
Key Facts: Bus Driver Loses Pension Over $7 Theft Incident
6h · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: philstarlife.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: philstarlife.com
- A Japanese bus driver was stripped of his pension worth 12 million yen ($84,000) after stealing 1,000 yen ($7) from passengers.
- In 2022, the driver was caught on camera pocketing the fare but denied the accusation during a meeting with his superior.
- The Kyoto court ruled that his actions could undermine public trust in the transportation system.
- The driver had a record of various infractions, including smoking while on duty without passengers.
"Each one of the bus drivers works alone and handles public money. We took it very seriously that embezzlement related to this area of our work took place."— Shinichi Hirai, an official at Kyoto's public transport bureau, stated this regarding the court's decision.
Senator meets US resident deported to El Salvador: A Democratic US senator has met with Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a US resident whose wrongful deportation to El ...
rte.ie/news/world/2025/0418/1508316-us-senator-el-savador/

The International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber 1 has ordered the prosecution to complete the disclosure of evidence on the crimes against humanity ... Show more
ICC: Prosecution in Duterte trial must submit all evidence until July 1
ICC: Prosecution in Duterte trial must submit all evidence until July 1
The Department of Education (DepEd) has officially set June 16 as the start of classes for School Year (SY) 2025–2026, marking a return to the pre-pandemic ... Show more
DepEd sets opening of classes for School Year 2025–2026 on June 16
DepEd sets opening of classes for School Year 2025–2026 on June 16
Doctors have successfully reattached a woman's head after 37 surgeries as she had suffered a near "internal decapitation" following a sports accident ... Show more
Woman's almost 'internally decapitated' head reattached after 37 surgeries
Woman's almost 'internally decapitated' head reattached after 37 surgeries
The responses of key U.S. allies – Japan, Australia, and the Philippines – to Washington’s maritime capability-commitment gap reflect the future of ... Show more
3 suspects in Que kidnap-slay under police custody: MANILA, Philippines — Three individuals are now under police custody for the killing of Filipino-Chinese ...
globalnation.inquirer.net/273209/3-in-custody-for-que-kidnap-slay-pnp

STAY AWAY FROM RED FLAGS ❌
On May 12, you have the power to choose leaders who could help make your community, and our country, a better place ... Show more
ph.rappler.com
ph.rappler.com
The White House on Friday unveiled a revamped COVID-19 website that promoted the contentious theory that the virus leaked from a Chinese laboratory ... Show more
White House touts COVID-19 'lab leak' theory on revamped site
White House touts COVID-19 'lab leak' theory on revamped site
Key Facts: New Focus on Lab Leak Theory on Covid Website
1h · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: rte.ie
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: rte.ie
- The revamped Covid.gov website promotes the controversial theory that the virus leaked from a Chinese lab and criticizes previous pandemic policies.
- President Donald Trump is prominently featured, while Anthony Fauci is targeted for supporting the narrative of natural virus origins.
- US agencies increasingly support the lab leak theory, with the CIA recently shifting its stance to suggest a lab origin is more likely.
- The site also critiques mask and social distancing mandates, claiming former health officials demonized alternative treatments.
"I welcome all efforts to dig deeper."— Jamie Metzl, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council in response to the revamped White House website.
'I don’t know what that is' : Social media baffled by Trump's comment on Congo
wionews.com/world/trumps-comment-on-congo-i-dont-know-what-that-is-8977846

Nora Aunor died of acute respiratory failure, says son Ian De Leon: Nora Aunor's son Ian De Leon said the late superstar died from acute respiratory failure ...
entertainment.inquirer.net/606332/nora-aunor-died-of-acute-respiratory-failure-says-son-ian-de-leon

Kids' rights group on EJK: Quest for justice must lead to policy reform: MANILA, Philippines — The quest for justice for victims of extrajudicial killings ...
newsinfo.inquirer.net/2054088/childrens-rights-group-justice-for-ejk-victims-must-lead-to-policy-reform

PHILIPPINES: Filipino Catholic Ruben Enaje is nailed to the cross during his reenactment of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Good Friday, in San Fernando ... Show more
US citizen attempts to hijack plane in Belize, shot dead by passenger: The incident occurred mid-air on a flight bound for San Pedro
timesofoman.com/article/156999-us-citizen-attempts-to-hijack-plane-in-belize-shot-dead-by-passenger

Key Facts: Belize Plane Hijacking Ends in Fatality
23h · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: nbcnews.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: nbcnews.com
- A U.S. man hijacked a small plane in Belize, injuring two passengers and the pilot.
- The Tropic Air aircraft, carrying 14 passengers and two crew members, safely landed in Ladyville after circling for nearly two hours.
- The hijacker, Akinyela Taylor, was shot dead by one of the injured passengers, who was licensed to carry a firearm.
- Injured individuals are receiving medical care as investigations into Taylor's motives and background continue.
"In the face of incomprehensible pressure, our pilot acted with extraordinary courage and calm, guiding the aircraft to a safe landing. His actions were nothing short of heroic."— Maximillian Greif, CEO of Tropic Air, regarding the pilot's brave actions during the hijacking.
LOOK: Catholics take part in the "Gewang-Gewang" tradition during the Good Friday procession of the Santo Entierro at Sta. Ursula Parish in Binangonan, Rizal ... Show more


Pentagon sends new ship-killing missiles to Pacific hotspot: The United States is deploying its latest ship-killing missile system as part of a major military ...
defence-blog.com/pentagon-sends-new-ship-killing-missiles-to-pacific-hotspot/

FIRE OUT | Firefighters were able to put out the fire that earlier reached the fifth alarm within the 15-meter safe zone separating Flexo Manufacturing Corp ... Show more
manilastandard.net
manilastandard.net
DepEd partnering with DSWD to combat bullying, boost child development: MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) is working with the Department ...
newsinfo.inquirer.net/2054085/deped-partnering-with-dswd-for-program-to-aid-parents-in-bid-vs-bullying

US Senator meets wrongly deported migrant Abrego Garcia in El Salvador: Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen shares a photo with the man whose return was ordered ...
aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/18/opposition-us-senator-meets-migrant-wrongly-deported-to-el-salvador

Senate President Francis Escudero urged Filipinos to shun "prophets of darkness" who claim that the future is black.
JUST IN: Ukraine's Yelyzaveta Adams has overtaken the Philippines' Alexie Brooks in the #MissEcoInternational2025 online poll for "Miss Eco People's Choice ... Show more
Over eight years after “The Accountant,” Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal are returning to work hand-in-hand in the second installment of the
Over eight years after “The Accountant,” Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal are returning to work hand-in-hand in the second installment of the
Low-key Good Friday amid tough economic times, churches call for action on corruption
standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001516851/low-key-good-friday-amid-tough-economic-times-churches-call-for-action-on-corruption

A cryotherapy session in Paris has turned deadly with one woman dying and another hospitalised in critical condition due to a nitrogen leak from a cold chamber ... Show more
Employee dead, client critical after cryotherapy session goes wrong
Employee dead, client critical after cryotherapy session goes wrong
Balita, isa sa 'most trusted tabloids' sa bansa—survey: Balita, isa sa 'most trusted tabloids' sa bansa—survey - BALITA - Itinanghal ang 'Balita' ...
balita.mb.com.ph/2025/04/19/balita-isa-sa-most-trusted-tabloids-sa-bansasurvey/

LIVE: Celebration of the Passion of the Lord led by His Eminence Jose F. Cardinal Advincula, DD, Archbishop of Manila. #holyweek2025 #TVMaria #Catholic


Whatever be the case, Sara gets some latitude of options. With senators sitting in judgment over her, a partisan verdict will be no surprise ... Show more
Human rights group to send int'l observers for May 2025 polls: A human rights group said it will be sending an international team of observers for the ...
inquirer.net/437137/human-rights-group-to-send-intl-observers-for-may-2025-polls/

A federal grand jury has indicted Luigi Mangione, who is accused of murdering a UnitedHealth Group executive in New York last year ... Show more
Mangione faces federal charges, death penalty in UnitedHealth executive's killing
Mangione faces federal charges, death penalty in UnitedHealth executive's killing
LTO-NCR resuming drive vs choosy taxi drivers: MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office - | National Capital Region (LTO-NCR) will resume its ...
newsinfo.inquirer.net/2054081/on-lto-ncrs-oplan-isnabero

Philippine Eagle Riley passes away: "It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Riley, one of the Philippine eagles under our care at the ...
philstarlife.com/news-and-views/280879-philippine-eagle-riley-31-passes-away

Choose peace, safety this Holy Week—Marcos
mb.com.ph/2025/4/18/choose-peace-safety-this-holy-week-marcos

Trump officials' defiance over Abrego Garcia's deportation is 'shocking,' appeals court says
mb.com.ph/2025/4/18/trump-officials-defiance-over-abrego-garcia-s-deportation-is-shocking-appeals-court-says

Italy's Fincantieri, Germany's TKMS team up to bid for Philippine Navy submarines
business.inquirer.net/520694/italys-fincantieri-germanys-tkms-team-up-to-bid-for-philippine-navy-submarines

NBI files sedition raps vs. Harry Roque, vlogger Maharlika for alleged involvement in viral 'polvoron' video
philstarlife.com/news-and-views/359131-nbi-files-sedition-raps-vs-harry-roque-vlogger-maharlika

A passenger on a small plane from Belize on Thursday shot dead an American armed with a knife who was attempting a hijacking ... Show more
Plane passenger shoots, kills hijacker during flight
Plane passenger shoots, kills hijacker during flight
At the end of every school year, the Department of Education (DepEd) upholds its long-standing policy of reminding schools, especially public ones ... Show more
DOLE: Private workers get additional 30% pay on Black Saturday: MANILA, Philippines — Private employees rendering work on Black Saturday, April 19 ...
newsinfo.inquirer.net/2054061/dole-private-workers-get-additional-30-pay-on-black-saturday

Motorcycle crashes into a truck, killing 3 cops in Lanao del Norte: MANILA, Philippines — Three police officers were killed after a motorcycle crashed into a ...
newsinfo.inquirer.net/2053896/motorcyle-crashes-into-a-truck-and-kills-3-cops-in-lanao-del-norte

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order aiming to lower crippling drug prices by giving states more leeway to bargain-hunt abroad and improving the ... Show more
Trump signs order aimed at lowering drug prices
Trump signs order aimed at lowering drug prices
NMC: Google Maps tag of West Philippine Sea reflects growing acceptance: The labeling of "West Philippine Sea" on Google Maps reflected the "growing acceptance" ...
inquirer.net/437115/nmc-google-maps-tag-of-west-philippine-sea-reflects-growing-acceptance/

People around the world are marking Good Friday, an important Christian holiday that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
In Seville, Spain ... Show more
DepEd to investigate viral graduation attire incident in Antique, clarifies togas are optional
philstarlife.com/news-and-views/693972-deped-investigate-viral-toga-incident-antique-school

PNP logs 28 Holy Week incidents; situation ‘generally peaceful’
mb.com.ph/2025/4/18/pnp-situation-generally-peaceful

Sixteen areas across the country are expected to experience a "danger" level heat index on Friday, April 18, with temperatures reaching as high as ... Show more
Stay safe: PAGASA warns of 'dangerous' heat index in 16 areas on Good Friday
Stay safe: PAGASA warns of 'dangerous' heat index in 16 areas on Good Friday
The authorities confirmed that Michelle Trachtenberg died due to complications of diabetes mellitus, ruling her death as natural ... Show more
‘Gossip Girl’ star Michelle Trachtenberg’s cause of death revealed by authorities
‘Gossip Girl’ star Michelle Trachtenberg’s cause of death revealed by authorities
Key Facts: Michelle Trachtenberg's Death Linked to Diabetes Complications
Apr 17 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: ew.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: ew.com
- Michelle Trachtenberg's death at 39 was officially attributed to complications from diabetes.
- The New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner confirmed the cause of death was ruled natural following laboratory tests.
- Prior to her passing, it was reported that she had undergone a liver transplant, and her family had objected to an autopsy.
- Friends and former colleagues, including Sarah Michelle Gellar, expressed their grief and support for Trachtenberg's legacy.
Michelle, listen to me. I love you. I will always love you. The hardest thing in this world, is to live in it. I will be brave. I will live… for you.— Sarah Michelle Gellar, who played Trachtenberg's older sister on 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer', wrote this on Instagram the day after Trachtenberg's death.
Urban Legends Part 2: Nora Aunor's Lucky 12 & Operation: Kumbento: Plus: Nora's MU with Sajid Khan.
pep.ph/lifestyle/16518/superstar-nora-aunors-urban-legends-part-2-the-legend-of-the-lucky-12-and-operation-kumbento

For peace of mind: AFP General Brawner calls for readiness in all circumstances: In the ever-evolving landscape of geopolitics and national security ...
opinion.inquirer.net/182550/for-peace-of-mind-afp-general-brawner-calls-for-readiness-in-all-circumstances

LOOK: Drone shot of some highways in Quezon City on Good Friday, April 18, 2025. Only a few vehicles along Quezon Avenue, Commonwealth Avenue ... Show more


P3.6-M unregistered chainsaws seized in Valenzuela City; 7 nabbed: MANILA, Philippines — Unregistered chainsaws worth some P3.6 million were seized from seven ...
newsinfo.inquirer.net/2053942/p3-6-m-unregistered-chainsaws-seized-in-valenzuela-city-7-nabbed

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday prayed that Christ's sacrifice may strengthen Filipinos.
Sixty-four-year-old Ruben Enaje, along with two other individuals, continues their tradition of enduring crucifixion during the annual pagpapako (nailing on ... Show more
The International Criminal Court Pre Trial Chamber 1 handling the crimes against humanity charge against former President Rodrigo Duterte has given the ... Show more
THE SAINTS IN MOURNING
Parishioners of Parokya ng Santa Cruz in Paco, Obando, Bulacan participate in the annual Good Friday procession on Friday, April 18 ... Show more


ICYMI: Right-of-way issues have delayed the partial operations of the Metro Manila Subway Project to 2032, four years later than initially planned ... Show more


UP Diliman tops PH universities in latest EduRank report: UPD's ranking was based on research output, non-academic reputation, and the impact of 86 notable ...
philstarlife.com/news-and-views/869466-up-diliman-tops-ph-universities-latest-edurank-report

Trump Administration Ramps Up Campaign Against Man It Deported in Error
on.wsj.com/42jCKnd


Bong Go praises health workers’ role as DOH raises Code White Alert
mb.com.ph/2025/4/17/bong-go-praises-health-workers-role-as-doh-raises-code-white-alert

The Antipolo Cathedral was temporarily closed after the Alay Lakad 2025 for cleaning. As of 5:00 am, over 5.1 million devotees had gone to the church for the ... Show more


After the crucifixion and resurrection ritual, local faith healer Edgar Salazar proceeds to provide blessings to residents in San Miguel, Bulacan on April 18 ... Show more


23 DAYS BEFORE ELECTION DAY! More than 68 million Filipino voters are expected to participate in the May 12, 2025 midterm elections, which will fill over 18 ... Show more
INQUIRER.net's 2025 Philippine Elections Coverage - | Vote PH
INQUIRER.net's 2025 Philippine Elections Coverage - | Vote PH
"I was there for you to the last minute." Veteran singer and former Camarines Sur vice governor Imelda Papin becomes emotional while sharing her last moments ... Show more


More Than Half of Puerto Rico Remains Without Power: It will take at least another day to fully restore service after a series of failures blacked out the whole ...
nytimes.com/2025/04/17/us/puerto-rico-blackout-power.html

Catholic devotees flock to the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo for the traditional "Alay Lakad" pilgrimage on Maundy ... Show more


Key Facts: Abrego Garcia Transferred from Notorious CECOT Prison
1h · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: newsweek.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: newsweek.com
- Kilmar Abrego Garcia has been moved from the notorious CECOT prison to a lower-security detention facility, according to Senator Chris Van Hollen.
- During a meeting, Abrego Garcia expressed the trauma he experienced while incarcerated, despite improved conditions in his new location.
- He remains in isolation without communication access, while the Salvadoran vice president confirmed there was no evidence of any crime committed by Abrego Garcia.
- Van Hollen condemned the Salvadoran government, stating that Abrego Garcia's case poses a threat to the constitutional rights of all Americans.
"Millions of Americans understand that what is happening to him is a threat to their own constitutional rights."— Senator Chris Van Hollen discussing the implications of Kilmar Abrego Garcia's case for constitutional rights.
'THE COUNTRY'S ONE AND ONLY SUPERSTAR IS A HIMALA'
In this nostalgic opinion piece, Bum Tenorio Jr. honors the late Nora Aunor ... Show more
How Nora Aunor taught me to read
How Nora Aunor taught me to read
Key Facts: Global Coverage of Nora Aunor's Passing
9h · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: pep.ph
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: pep.ph
- International news outlets like CNN, BBC, and NBC reported on the death of Nora Aunor on April 16, 2025.
- Aunor, an icon of Philippine cinema, passed away at the age of 71, and her popularity was recognized worldwide.
- Social media is filled with tributes from friends, fans, and individuals she impacted throughout her life.
- The controversial Nora Aunor dolls were produced without her consent and may increase in value following her death.
"Her voice, presence, and artistry shaped a legacy that will never fade."— Lotlot de León on her mother Nora Aunor, who passed away on April 16, 2023.
The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, where former president Rodrigo Duterte is currently detained for crimes against humanity ... Show more
Escudero: Don't be misled by those who claim PH's future is 'black'
newsinfo.inquirer.net/2053752/escudero-dont-be-misled-by-those-who-claim-phs-future-is-black
