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TRUMP SAYS US TARIFFS TO HIT ‘ALL GILAS 3X3 WOMEN MAKE HISTORY COUNTRIES’ TO CHECK IMBALANCES WITH BEST-EVER ASIA CUP FINISH WORLD / A6
SPORTS / A8
Palace to LGUs: Ensure safety of bldgs, prepare for ‘Big One’ By Rex Espiritu
VOL. XXXIX • NO. 49 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2025
PH deploys team to quake-hit areas
nila and nearby provinces. “To our local government units, we demand their building officers to conFOLLOWING the deadly earthquake in Myanmar, Malacañang yesterday duct inspections if possible, and they should also be called on local WHO seeks urgent strict in granting government units permits for the to ensure the safefunding for Myanmar construction of ty and integrity of buildings,” PalNEWS / A2 buildings in their ace Press Officer localities, Claire Castro said. This as Phivolcs Castro said while it was impossible warned a 7.2 magnitude earthquake, dubbed “The Big One,” could result in to predict when such a disastrous event a death toll of over 50,000 and heavily will occur, it is crucial for both governdamage at least 12 percent of residen- ment agencies and local governments Next page tial buildings should it hit Metro Ma-
$100k standby fund for affected Pinoys By Charles Dantes, Rex Espiritu and Rachelle Tonelada
P
RESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday ordered the deployment of a 114-personnel humanitarian contingent to Myanmar following a powerful magnitude-7.7 earthquake that also affected parts of neighboring Thailand. The government also approved the re- ment of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary lease of $100,000 in standby funds for Eduardo De Vega said. affected Filipinos in Myanmar DepartThe humanitarian contingent, sched-
uled to depart today (Tuesday, April 1) will include representatives from the Department of Health, Bureau of Fire Protection, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and private sector groups, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said. “The President has instructed our agencies to act swiftly in assisting our neighboring countries. We stand in Next page
MISSION READY. Members of the Philippines team prepare supplies and equipment
for their mission to Myanmar to assist in the recovery efforts following last Friday’s magnitude 7.7 earthquake. According to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the government is sending a 114-strong contingent. Rod Lagusad, PTV video grab
Comelec pauses gov’t ‘ayuda’ ahead of polls
Rody lawyer questions ICC jurisdiction
By Vito Barcelo
FORMER president Rodrigo Duterte’s lead lawyer said there was a “compelling” argument to throw out the International Criminal Court (ICC) case against his client even before it comes to trial. On Sunday, Nicholas Kaufman said he hoped to stop the case before the ICC confirms the charges against Duterte by arguing the court cannot exercise its jurisdiction. Kaufman pointed out the Philippines’ withdrawal from the court had become effective well before an investigation was authorized. Duterte, 80, faces a charge of crimes against humanity for murder over his “war on drugs” that claimed the lives of thousands of mostly poor men, often without proof they were linked to drugs. British-Israeli lawyer Kaufman, 56, said: “Coming back to the jurisdictional point, obviously you don’t need to be the dean of a law faculty to realize that that’s going to be a huge
THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced that government aid distribution will pause from May 2 until May 12 to prevent misuse of state resources for illegal campaigning. To be affected by the 10-day suspension are the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis situations (AICS), Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), and Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) programs. In a statement on Monday, Comelec chairman George Garcia said the AICS program, which provides cash assistance for essential needs like medical expenses and education, will face additional scrutiny. He warned that any distribution within the 10 days would be deemed illegal and carry consequences. Garcia explained that the expanded ban on government dole-outs during the crucial part of the election season highlights the poll body’s determination to close loopholes and prevent the misuse of public resources. Next page
CIRCLE OF PRAYER. Muslim worshippers gather in unity for a congregational prayer, showcasing faith and devotion during a significant religious observance of Eid al-Fitr yesterday at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City. Edd Castro
Gov’t leaders greet Muslim Filipinos on Eid’l Ftir day By Charles Dantes
the Muslim community on Eid’l Fitr, tion, calling it a reminder of shared humarking the end of the holy month of manity and the importance of unity. President Marcos earlier declared PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. Ramadan, on Monday. In a message, President Marcos high- April 1 a regular holiday to allow hailed the Filipinos’ “shared humanity” as he extended his well-wishes to lighted the significance of the celebraNext page
No LRT fare hike suspension as oppositors appeal to PBBM
WALKTHROUGH. Commission on Elections Chairman George Garcia is joined by poll watchdogs and other election stakeholders during the walkthrough yesterday of the pre-election logic and accuracy test (Pre-LAT) of automated counting machines and the inspection of official ballots at a warehouse in Sta. Rosa and Biñan, Laguna. Approximately 47,000 automated counting machines underwent the accuracy test. Norman Cruz
MALACAÑANG said stopping the impending Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) fare increase may breach the government’s contract with the operator, despite mounting public opposition. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro cited contractual obligations as the primary hurdle, emphasizing the hike’s delayed implementation for commuter relief. The scheduled April 2nd increase will elevate maximum single journey fares from P45 to P55,
and minimum fares from P15 to P20. Castro warned of potential repercussions if the government fails to adhere to the contract. Civil society groups, including PISTON, Bayan, and PARA, filed an appeal to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., contesting the Department of Transportation’s (DoTR) approval of the hike. They argued it would disproportionately affect LRT-1’s daily commuters, largely students and workers. “An added burden to commuters, Next page
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Qatar frees 3 minors, 17 still in detention By Rachelle Tonelada THREE Filipino minors have been released after being detained by Qatari authorities for their participation in a political demonstration, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega confirmed. However, the mother of the minors and 16 other Filipinos remain in police custody. “We’re hopeful that they will be released next week or so. If there is a case against them, which would mean up to 3 years detention, they aren’t causing trouble, plus deportation, they will have services of legal Next page