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Navy ready to respond to Chinese interference vs. Balikatan exercises By Vince Lopez THE Philippine Navy said it is prepared to implement contingency measures should China interfere in the ongoing Balikatan military exercises between Manila and Washington in the
VOL. XXXVIII • NO. 71 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2024
West Philippine Sea amid a significant increase in Chinese navy, coast guard and militia vessels in the area. At least 16 Chinese maritime militia vessels were seen near Recto Bank during a resupply mission from April Next page
ICC contacts drug war cops 50 retired, active police officials involved in Rody’s case
By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Rey Requejo
A
T LEAST 50 former and active police officials were contacted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over the crime against humanity case against former President Rodrigo Duterte, former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV said. In a post on X, Trillanes said he obtained highly credible information that the ICC investigators have already directly communicated with these PNP members. This as the Department of Justice on Wednesday said the government is taking all the necessary steps to hold accountable erring law enforcers involved in extrajudicial killings. “We guarantee that reforms are in place to change the mindset and attitude of erring law enforcers and make them responsible for their actions. We are taking all the necessary steps to strengthen the criminal justice system and hold to account the perpetrators of these violations,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said in a statement. Trillanes said since the former and active police officers were linked to the case against Duterte, their status may be elevated to being a suspect Next page
A WELCOME REVIVAL. Wawa Dam used to be the only source of water for Metro Manila until Angat Dam was built. The ongoing construction of the Upper Wawa Dam in Rodriguez, Rizal is targeted to be completed in 2025. Once completed, it will supply at least 518 million liters per day for residents of the metropolis. Joan Bondoc/ PNA
Palace warns vs Marcos ‘deepfake’ ordering attack of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. allegedly ordering the Armed Forces of THE Presidential Communications the Philippines (AFP) to act against a Office (PCO) on Wednesday warned certain nation. In a statement, PCO said the Presthe public about circulating content
By Charles Dantes
ident did not issue such a directive to the AFP while the audio was manipulated with the use of artificial intelligence. Next page
Extreme heat shuts down schools; public urged to adopt safety measures SCHOOLS in some areas placed in-person classes under suspension after the country suffered under extreme heat in the past few days. This prompted warning for people to keep a tight rein on the amount of time spent outdoors. As the heat index bordered on dangerous levels, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan announced suspension of face-to-face classes on all levels—in public and private schools—in the City of Manila on
April 25 to April 26. The statement said, “This is due to the forecasted danger heat index level of 44°C according to the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office.” Schools are also instructed to shift to asynchronous classes. The months of March, April and May are typically the hottest and driest in the archipelago, but conditions this year have been exacerbated by Next page
Speaker to lead investigation on retail, farmgate price gap By Rio N. Araja
ON THE JOB. President Marcos presides over a sectoral meeting on the guidelines governing contract of service and job order workers in government at Malacanang Palace on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. PPA POOL
Sen. Rene Saguisag, patriot, lawmaker, 84
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SM PRIME MARKS 30 YEARS WITH RECORDBREAKING INCOME. (From left) Assistant Corporate
By Macon Ramos-Araneta
Rene Saguisag
SPEAKER Martin Romualdez on Wednesday said he would spearhead an investigation in aid of legislation into the widening gap between farmgate and retail prices of rice and other basic goods once the House of Representatives resumes its session on Monday. Romualdez and House Deputy Majority Leader Rep. Erwin Tulfo of
ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo recently met with representatives of producers, retailers and grocery stores, who denied making any substantial price changes. “I would ask Quezon Rep. Mark Enverga, committee on agriculture chairman, to immediately start the ball rolling for an investigation into the disconnect between farmgate and retail
ANOTHER Filipino statesman left the world as former senator Rene Saguisag passed away on Wednesday (April 24) at age 84, his family announced. “Rene Saguisag was a dedicated public servant, and his tireless endeavors as a human rights advocate, senator, and Next page
Secretary Arthur Sy, Corporate Secretary Elmer Serrano, Chief Finance Officer and Chief Compliance Officer John Nai Peng Ong, President Jeffrey Lim, Independent Director Darlene Marie Berberabe, Chairman of the Board Henry Sy Jr., Vice Chairman and Lead Independent Director Amando Tetangco Jr., Non-Executive Director Herbert Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, and Non-Executive Director Jorge Mendiola during the Annual Stockholders Meeting held on April 23, 2024 at Conrad Manila. Celebrating three decades of public success, SM Prime, the Philippines’ leading property developer, caps its 30th anniversary with record-breaking income of P40 billion, a 33 percent increase from the previous year.