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Police rescue kidnapped teen, hunt POGO-linked syndicate By Charles Dantes
VOL. XXXIX • NO. 16 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025
Chiz ramps up impeach preps
Says verdict may be out by October
A 14-YEAR-OLD kidnap victim clad in pajamas and missing a part of his right little finger was rescued along Macapagal Avenue in Parañaque City after his abductors ditched him during a police pursuit, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said. The kidnappers, like their target, were Chinese nationals part of a “sophisticated” syndicate with ties to the now-banned POGOs, Remulla said. “We are definite that the syndicate behind the kidnapping were former POGO operators,” Remulla said in a Palace briefing, adding those involved had lost a lucrative living when the POGO hubs were shuttered. “These groups have continued to operate within the country, and we will ensure that they are neutralized as soon as possible...We know their members. We have knowledge of their whereabouts. We know their hideouts.
IN SAFE HANDS. The 14-year old kidnap victim is reunited with his father after his abductors ditched him to evade pursuing lawmen. Screengrab from GMA News Expect that in the coming days we will intensify our drive to arrest these kidnappers,” he added. Next page
By Ram Superable and Maricel Cruz
S
ENATE President Francis Escudero has ramped up preparations for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, adding that a decision could already be rendered by October this year. Escudero said he issued a special order for the organization of Senate offices that will provide administrative support to the Upper Chamber sitting as an impeachment court. “I think the trial won’t last for more than two or three months. By the time we go into recess in October 2025, the trial will be done and we will already be voting,” he said in a press conference in Sorsogon Tuesday. Next page
Imported rice price ceiling set at P49 per kilo in March By Othel V. Campos THE maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) of imported rice will drop to P49 per kilo in selected areas across the country beginning March 1, in line with the Marcos administration’s promise of substantially lowering the prices of basic goods. On Wednesday, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. clarified that the reduced rice MSRP will be enforced in Metro Next page
CENTENARIANS. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. joins beneficiaries of the Expanded Centenarians Act of 2024 (Republic Act No. 11982) yesterday at the Heroes Hall in Malacañan Palace on February 26, 2025. More than PhP2.9 billion will be distributed this year to over 275,000 senior citizens nationwide in recognition of their invaluable contributions to society through the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) and partner government agencies. PCO
PBBM hands out cash gifts to seniors, vows more dignified care By Charles Dantes PRESIDENT Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. on Wednesday acknowledged the financial and social struggles of many elderly Filipinos as he led the inaugural distribution of cash gifts under the
Expanded Centenarians Act of 2024. According to Mr. Marcos, many senior citizens Speaking at the Heroes Hall in Malacañang live alone or face neglect and abuse, making them Palace, President Marcos pointed out that 73% of vulnerable in their later years. senior citizens rely on their children for financial “I know that there is still much to be done, not support, while 55% pay for their healthcare out of only by the government but by the entire society pocket. Next page
DILG to probe PNP chief’s EDSA busway violation By Charles Dantes DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Wednesday said he did not direct any police official to break traffic laws, following reports that Philippine National Police (PNP)
SAFETY AND COMFORT Bus timers, security guards and Special Action and
Intelligence Committee for Transportation (DOTr-SAICT) enforcers ensure the safety and comfort of commuters at the Nepa Q-Mart Station of the EDSA Busway in Quezon City. Manny Palmero
LTO told to remedy years-long backlog in license plates DEPARTMENT of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon ordered the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to release vehicle plates within 72 hours after they are turned over to their owners. The newly-installed eDizon initially set his sights on addressing the LTO’s backlog in delivering motorcycle plates. “As far as motorcycles are con-
cerned, I think it [backlog] began in 2014. To this day, they [owners] have not yet received their plates. That sounds bleak… it’s 2025 already,” the transportation secretary said in Filipino. “Moving forward, can we make sure this won’t happen again? They should get their plates almost immediately. [For] Both motorcycles and Next page
personnel used the exclusive EDSA Busway during an emergency. In a Palace briefing on Wednesday, Remulla said only PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil could confirm whether the emergency in question was related to a kidnapping case. Next page
Alyansa bets still dominating race for Senate—SWS By Rachelle Tonelada THE administration’s Alyansa ng Bayan slate continues to dominate the race for the Senate’s 12 seats with eight of its bets in the winning circle, according to a Social Weather Stations survey released Wednesday. Next page
PRAYERS. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (L) leads a rosary prayer for the health of Pope Francis at St Peter’s square in The Vatican, on February 25, 2025. AFP
CARDINAL TAGLE LEADS PRAYERS FOR POPE FRANCIS NEWS / A3