PH ECONOMIC TEAM, US TRADE EXECS HOLD ‘POSITIVE’ DISCUSSION ON TRUMP’S TARIFF A HIGH-LEVEL economic delegation from the Philippines had “productive and positive” talks with United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington DC over the weekend, the Philippine embassy in the US said. The meeting came as the Philippines sought to negotiate the paused 17 percent reciprocal tariff imposed on the country by US President Donald Trump. Before the meeting, Trade Secretary Cristina AldeguerRoque said the government aims to bring down the tariff rate on Philippine goods to “zero tariff.” She, however, declined to give an update on the meeting, saying an official statement will be released “very soon.” “Both countries agreed to undertake concrete steps in recognition of the complementary nature of our economies and the strategic value of our alliance,” the Philippine Em-
TRADE RELATIONS.
Philippine and US trade and economic officials discuss bilateral trade and investment relations during a meeting in Washington DC on May 2, 2025. Philippine Embassy in Washington DC
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bassy said in a brief statement following the meeting Aside from Roque, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go also led the delegation. Both sides expressed optimism about the future of the Philippine-US trade and investment relations, especially in the context of “economic security and fair, balanced, and reciprocal trade,” the embassy said. The embassy said both sides welcomed the “positive outcome of the discussions” and underscored the importance of an “economically and strategically strong partnership” between the two states. Trump announced a 90-day pause on the higher reciprocal tariffs the US imposed on most countries on April 9, but the blanket 10 percent duty on all its trading partners remains. With Othel Campos VOL. XXXIX • NO. 77 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES MAY 4, 2025
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OMBUDSMAN TELLS CEBU GOV. TO FILE COUNTER-AFFIDAVIT SUSPENDED Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia should file a counter-affidavit to the cases filed against her, Ombudsman Samuel Martires said. The Ombudsman earlier slapped a sixmonth suspension against the reelectionist governor for allowing the issuance of a permit to a construction company despite the absence of an environmental compliance certificate. Garcia’s legal counsel, Alex Avisado Jr., however, said the governor is well within her rights not to step down. “The governor is just exercising legal remedies available to her. Under the Local Government Code, no preventive suspension should be issued 90 days prior to an election,” he said. Avisado said their camp has already sought clarification from the Department of Interior and Local Government. Martires, in a statement, said: “It should be clear by now to Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and to everyone that the preventive suspension order that was issued in the administrative case arose from, or is in relation to, the criminal case for violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019.” “Any violation of any of the Sections of Republic Act 3019 must, in the corresponding administrative case, be classified or denominated either as grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, gross negligence, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service or any of the offenses defined under the Civil Service Law,” he added.
MARCOS, ANWAR TALK DEFENSE, TRADE FOCUS ON REG’L ISSUES AHEAD OF ASEAN SUMMIT By Charles Dantes
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RESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim discussed regional economic and security challenges ahead of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit later this month. President Marcos said the two of them exchanged views on pressing issues facing ASEAN, including regional stability and economic cooperation. “We spoke about the challenges ASEAN is currently facing as a region... I look forward to continuing these discussions with our fellow leaders at the upcoming summit in Kuala Lumpur,” he said in Filipino. The ASEAN Summit will be held in Kuala Lumpur from May 26 to 27, while a separate summit involving dialogue partners is planned for later this year. For his part, Anwar, who described Mr. Marcos as a “good friend,” said their discussion covered ASEAN developments and global concerns. During the call, Anwar said he urged extending the ceasefire in Myanmar to ensure humanitarian aid can continue reaching affected populations. He and Mr. Marcos both agreed that aid must be delivered “without discrimination or restrictions.”
AHTISA MANALO CROWNED MISS UNIVERSE PH 2025
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TRUMP POSTS SPOOF PHOTO DRESSED AS POPE WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump posted on Friday a spoof picture of himself dressed as the pope on his Truth Social platform after joking that he would like to be the next Catholic ponDonald Trump’s tiff. AI-generated photo The president is seen in what appears to be an AI-generated color image, with his right index finger pointed toward the sky, wearing papal regalia, including white robes, a gold crucifix pendant, and the miter hat. It comes after Trump joked to reporters this week that he would like to be the next pope, just days before cardinals are due to start the conclave to elect the successor of Pope Francis who died on April 21. Asked who he would like to succeed Pope Francis, Trump said: “I’d like to be pope, that would be my number one choice.” Trump went on to say that he did not have a preference but said there was a cardinal in New York who was “very good.” He appeared to be referring to the archbishop of New York, Timothy Dolan, a theological conservative and fiercely opposed to abortion. AFP
Anwar also discussed Malaysia’s role as this year’s ASEAN chair and said the country could use its position to highlight its relevance to the United States in ongoing tariff negotiations. “Regarding the issue of tariffs, as ASEAN chair, I would like to inform you that Malaysia can leverage its position to demonstrate its interest to the US in global tariff negotiations. The US decision to suspend the implementation of tariffs for 90 days now provides relief to allow for further discussions on related matters given Malaysia’s strengths in several product types,” Anwar said. Anwar also expressed hope that the May 12 midterm elections in the Philippines would be successful.
By Eton Concepcion AHTISA Manalo was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2025 late Friday evening, succeeding Miss Universe-Asia 2024 Chelsea Manalo during the coronation night held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay. Wearing a pink dress styled in Hollywood glamour, Manalo stumbled during the evening gown segment of the Top 12 but later emerged as the winner, beating out 65 other contestants for the national title. For the final Q&A portion, the 27-year-old Accountancy graduate addressed this question: “They say that a good leader leads by example. Tell us about one event in your life when you led by example and the impact it made.” Manalo responded: “I fell a while ago on stage.
And the thing with me is, whenever I fall in life, I always make sure I come back stronger. Last year, I was here on this stage. And for the second time this year, I’m here putting everything on the stage to be Miss Universe Philippines, because this is my and my grandmother’s shared dream. And she passed away early this year. And this is my ode to her.” Manalo, a model and an entrepreneur from Candelaria, Quezon, joined the pageant for the second time.
Ahtisa Manalo
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PNP ON FULL ALERT AHEAD OF MIDTERM POLLS By Vito Barcelo and Ram Superable THE Philippine National Police went on full alert Saturday, nine days before the May 12 midterm polls. The full alert status will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, May 15, or three days after the elections. “The PNP will be on full alert starting today, May 3, 2025, to ensure that the upcoming elections on May 12, 2025, will be peaceful, fair and orderly. There is no place for violence or intimidation in a democratic process,” PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil said. “Our personnel are committed to maintaining peace and order throughout the election pe-
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riod. We will work hand-in-hand with the Comelec and other government agencies to ensure the will of the people is respected, and that no act of violence or disruption will derail the electoral process,” he added. On Saturday, Comelec said at least 2,787 people have been arrested so far for violating the election gun ban, including some members of the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces off the Philippines. Turn to Page 4
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