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INDIE FILM ‘ANORA’ TRIUMPHS AT 97TH OSCAR AWARDS INDEPENDENT film “Anora”—the tale of a sex worker whose marriage to the son of a Russian oligarch quickly unravels—was the big winner at the Oscars on Sunday, scooping five awards including best picture. Sean Baker’s black comedy also took home the Academy Awards for best director, best editing, best original screenplay and best actress for 25-year-old star Mikey Madison. “This is a dream come true,” said Madison. “I grew up in Los Angeles, but Hollywood always felt so far away from me. So, to be here standing in this room today is really incredible.” A shellshocked Madison later told reporters backstage she was still processing a win that looked set to open career doors—even though she had no idea what was next. Next page
WINNERS.
Oscar winners Best Actor Adrien Brody, Best Actress Mikey Madison, Best Supporting Actress Zoe Saldana, and Best Supporting Actor Kieran Culkin congratulate each other in the press room during yesterday’s 97th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California. Inset shows producer and filmmaker Sean Baker showing off his four Oscars for Best Film Editing, Best Original Screenplay, Best Director and Best Picture for ‘Anora’. AFP
Gov’t eyes regulatory body to evaluate socmed content By Charles Dantes and Pot Chavez media content to address the problem of misinformation and disinformation. This as Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin THE Presidential Communications Office yesterday said it is studying the Remulla on Monday said the department possibility of establishing a regulatory is reviewing existing laws to strengthen Next page body to monitor and evaluate social
VOL. XXXIX • NO. 21 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2025
‘Danger’ heat level persists PAGASA: April, May warmest months; DOH: Heat cramps likely By Rio Araja, Maricel Cruz and Ram Superable
D
AGUPAN City in Pangasinan is likely to reach the “danger” heat category index today (Tuesday) at 42ºC, state weather bureau PAGASA said in its 5 p.m. forecast yesterday. The Department of Health warned that heat index ranging from 42ºC to 51ºC are considered “danger” levels that can lead to heat cramps and heat exhaustion, with symptoms including fatigue, dizziness, headache, and vomiting. “Prolonged exposure to extreme
heat increases the risk of heat stroke, a serious condition that can cause loss of consciousness, confusion, or seizures, and may be fatal if left untreated,” the DOH said. Other areas with high heat index forecast but still below the dangel
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Heat wave shuts down schools in several parts of Metro Manila SOARING temperatures shut down schools in nearly half of Metro Manila yesterday, local officials said. In Malabon, education department official Edgar Bonifacio said the suspensions affected more than 68,000 students across 42 schools. “Our main concern is we’re near the end of the school year (in mid-
HEAT IS ON. Students and pedestrians use umbrellas to shield themselves from the heat in Ermita, Manila on Monday, March 3. The City of Manila suspended all classes in both public and private schools yesterday after PAGASA forecast temperatures could rise upto a dangerous level of 42°C. Norman Cruz and Andrew Rabulan
Infiltration fears spur probe on donations by ‘Chinese spies’ By Charles Dantes and Maricel V. Cruz MALACAÑANG said it is investigating reports that suspected Chinese spies made several donations to the Philippine National Police (PNP) and some Local Government Units (LGUs).
By Rachelle Tonelada
President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.
US President Donald Trump
Marbil names new anti-kidnap unit chief
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A ONE-ON-ONE meeting between US President Donald Trump and President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. is expected to take place soon, the Philippines’ top diplomat in Washington disclosed yesterday. Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez told the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) that the White House would confirm details of the upcoming meeting. Next page
Acting PCO chief divests, denies owning firm in PCSO deal By Charles Dantes
By Vince Lopez PH I LI PPI N E National Police (PNP) Chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil has designated Col. Paul Abay as the officer- Col. Paul Abay in-charge of the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG). Abay’s new designation took effect
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Marcos, Trump in-person meeting in the offing
In a Palace briefing on Monday, PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro assured that the donations, which supposedly include cash and motorcycles, would be looked into exhaustively amid fears that they facilitated the infiltration of government offices. “We are examining this, and if it is a Next page
April),” Bonifacio said. “This would mean a reduction of the number of school days available.” In Valenzuela district, school official Annie Bernardo said its 69 schools have been instructed to shift to “alternative” learning models, including online classes.
LEADING WOMEN. In celebration of National Women’s Month, Tingog Partylist Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, a staunch advocate for women and children’s rights, joined over 1,000 women leaders; and members of various organizations in Plaridel, Bulacan. Reflecting on the event’s theme, “Ang Dangal at Kagitingan ay Hinuhubog sa Tahanan,” Rep. Romualdez emphasized that the strength of a nation is deeply rooted in the strength of its families. Organized by Mayor Jocell Aimee Vistan-Casaje and Vice Mayor Lorie Vinta, the celebration recognized women changemakers excelling in education, business, community service, and public governance.
“To my knowledge, he is preparing his papers to divest,” Castro PRESIDENTIAL Communica- said, adding that any conflict of intions Office (PCO) Undersecretary terest must be eliminated now that the Secretary Claire Castro has taken ofon Monday Orbos in, Nebrida out as fice. confirmed PTV-4 head—Ruiz “If his busithat Acting nesses were Secretary Jay NEWS / A2 established Quiz is in the before his approcess of dipointment, vesting his interests in his media company in that’s one matter, but any concompliance with a 60-day require- flicting interests now must be reNext page ment following his appointment.