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WIN OR LOSE, ALEX EALA ASSURED OF PLACE IN PH SPORTS By Peter Atencio THE dream keeps soaring for the Philippines’ tennis sensation, Alex Eala, whose electrifying performance at the Miami Open further cemented her lofty place in the history books of Philippine tennis. With a series of stunning victories over three Grand Slam champions in just a few days, Eala climbed from No. 140 to No. 75 in the WTA Rankings—
the highest rank ever attained by a Filipina netter. She becomes only the third wild card to reach her first WTA semifinal and just the second to defeat three or more Grand Slam champions in a single tourlevel event. Meanwhile, Eala’s victory was hailed by the Palace as “another one of the very big achievements of a Filipino.”
“Malacañang, the Palace, and the President are proud of Filipinos like you who bring honor to the Philippines,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said. In a statement, SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Thurs-
day extended his heartfelt congratulations to Eala. “Alex Eala’s journey in the Miami Open is nothing short of extraordinary. Defeating world-class players like Iga Świątek, Madison Keys, and Jeļena Ostapenko demonstrates her strong determination and skill on the court,” he said.. Before Miami, Next page
Alexandra Eala
VOL. XXXIX • NO. 45 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2025
Timor-Leste disappoints—DFA By Rachelle Tonelada THE Philippines has expressed “disappointment” over TimorLeste’s refusal to extradite expelled lawmaker Arnolfo Teves Jr., despite Timor-Leste’s ongoing bid to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
In a statement on Thursday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Timor-Leste had not shown “enough trust” in the Philippine justice system—an approach that contradicts the principles of ASEAN membership. “We are disappointed that TiNext page
PH is no pawn in a proxy fight No one dictates to us, Palace tells Beijing
BIRTHDAY VISITORS.
Honeylet Avanceña and daughter Kitty Duterte arrive at the ICC detention center in the Netherlands in time for former President Rodrigo Duterte’s 80th birthday today. However, they were not able to see him, according to reports. Jofelle Tesorio in ABS screen grab
By Charles Dantes
M
ALACAÑANG yesterday rejected Beijing’s claim that the Philippines is being used as a proxy to fight another country’s disputes, saying it is China that should reexamine its role in the community of nations.
MMDA readies traffic mgmt for Rody b-day rallies By Joel Zurbano and Vito Barcelo terte, who is currently detained in The THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Thursday that it will manage traffic in case rallies are held on the 80th birthday of former president Rodrigo Du-
Hague, Netherlands. In a press conference, MMDA chairperson Romando Artes stated that the agency will not restrict protesters from staging their program, provided they do not obstruct traffic.
“From our side, it’s simply traffic management. So, as long as protests like that are held in freedom parks, we have no objection,” the MMDA chief said. “We are merely appealing, espeNext page
“The Philippines is no one’s chess In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Philippines piece; we are an independent country,” is free to decide on what military op- Castro said. “Whatever we do, whatever projects erations it undertakes and with which we undertake regarding our military countries it forges defense ties. Her remark came after Chinese operations, that is up to us. No one can interfere with Foreign Ministhat,” she added. try spokesperson Teodoro to hold crucial Castro further Guo Jiakun chaltalks with Hegseth challenged China lenged the Philipto abide by inpine government NEWS / A3 ternational laws to “stop serving and respect each as other countries’ country’s sovermouthpiece” and to avoid being used as “chess pieces” eignty to secure peace and stability in the maritime region. in regional power plays. “If China believes and is concerned The Chinese government’s scathing words came mere days before US about peace and stability in the region Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s visit they should abide by international law. to Manila, in which he is expected to They should also respect the soverdiscuss the future of Philippines-US eignty of each country,” she said. Next page military collaboration.
Imee says gov’t violated Rody’s rights but Palace disagrees
EARTH HOUR AT ORMOC. SM Center
Ormoc gathered the youth and active communities in the city to give an hour for Earth on Earth Hour. Over 400 students from colleges and universities in Ormoc assembled at the Roof Deck for the human 60+ Illumination and performed a dance with their cellphone lights to the tune of Liwanag sa Dilim.
By Charles Dantes
The accusations came as the senator’s foreign relations panel released its SENATOR Imee Marcos on Thurs- preliminary report following a speedy day accused her brother’s administra- investigation into the details surrounding Duterte’s artion of “glaring rest and subseviolations of the Nothing from PBBM quent surrender to rights” of foron rift with Imee the Hague-based mer President global tribunal. Rodrigo Duterte NEWS / A3 “The Constituwhile insisting tional safeguards that the Philippine government had no legal obligation guaranteeing liberty and due process of to hand him over to the International law were not observed. No warrant was Criminal Court (ICC). Next page
Chiz: Solons ‘sabotaging’ VP impeachment SENATE President Francis “Chiz” Escudero defended his decision to reject the House prosecution team’s motion that he issue a summons compelling Vice President Sara Duterte to answer the articles of impeachment,
saying this would be illegal. “They [congressmen] want me to do an illegal act. So, I’ll just throw the question back at them because this is getting exhausting. Do they really want to sabotage the impeachment that they
filed?” the Senate President said over Super Radyo dzBB yesterday. “Because that is the only explanation I see behind their actions… when the law is clear [on impeachment rules],” he added. Next page
Seven Luzon areas to sizzle beyond 40 degrees—PAGASA By Rio N. Araja
Laoag City, Ilocos Norte on top at 46 degrees Celsius (°C). This is based on the two-day heat inAT LEAST seven areas in the country are projected to experience tempera- dex forecast of the Philippine Atmostures at ‘danger’ levels on Friday with Next page