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Tuesday, July 8, 2025
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Volunteers from the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting sort and scan election returns in Manila on May 13, 2025. PHOTOS BY MIKE ALQUINTO

PPCRV: Election returns match 99.9%

HEADLINES: P20/k rice here to stay – Marcos | July 7, 2025

HEADLINES: P20/k rice here to stay – Marcos | July 7, 2025

15 policemen held in sabungero case

By Izel Abanilla and Franco Jose C. Baroña

Local and foreign tourists admire Taal Lake from a view deck in Talisay, Batangas, on June 29, 2025. A witness has claimed that the remains of the missing sabungeros were dumped in the lake. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

Phivolcs: Entry into volcanoes’ danger zones prohibited

By Arlie O. Calalo

CHEAP RICE President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leads the launch of the P20-per-kilo-rice program at the Zapote Public Market in Bacoor City, Cavite, on July 2, 2025.
PPA POOL PHOTO

P20/k rice here to stay – Marcos

By Kristina Maralit

15 policemen held in sabungero case

Phivolcs: Entry into volcanoes’ danger zones prohibited

P20/k rice here to stay – Marcos

PCSO Lotto Results | July 7, 2025

Rhenz Abando TMT PHOTO

Cone adds Abarrientos, Rosario, Abando, Lucero added to Gilas pool

Ian Nepomniachtchi (L) of Russia during the semifinals against Wesley So of the USA at the Fischer Random Chess Championship 2019 in Baerum, Norway, 29 October 2019. EPA-EFE/Berit Roald NORWAY OUT

Wesley So shines in star-studded SuperUnited Croatia 2025

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PCSO Lotto Results | July 7, 2025

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WATCH: PPCRV reports 99 percent match rate

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Explosion at firearms company in Marikina injures 2

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Typhoon Bising exits PAR

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WATCH: Marcos open to new gambling taxes

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WATCH: National debt sustainable – Palace

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WATCH: Comelec agrees with PPCRV findings

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WATCH: Legarda promotes weaving

Antonio Contreras

On the Contrary

Pity not Duterte, but those who died without due process

By Antonio Contreras

Orlando Mercado

O RLY?

The future under construction — but for whom?

By Orlando Mercado

Rough Trade

A model privatization deal

Rafael Alunan III

A comparative reflection on two flawed nations

By Rafael Alunan III

Today's Front Page

WEAKENED BY STRONGMEN

CHED ready for a reset

No senior citizen discount for travel tax

By Persida Acosta

Michael “Xiao” Chua

Walking History

‘Wild’ religiosity in the Philippines

By Michael “Xiao” Chua

Charlie V. Manalo

Naked Thought

Still worth visiting despite price odds

By Charlie V. Manalo

Ma. Lourdes Tiquia

Zilch

The Isko Effect

By Ma. Lourdes Tiquia

The City Builder

Public parks as crime-prevention infrastructure

By Arnel Casanova

Lloyd C. Bautista

Securitatem Populi

The 2026 Asean Summit: Manila as host

By Lloyd C. Bautista

INCLUSIVE FINANCIAL GROWTH Now in its 32nd year, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas stays steady in driving digitalization, financial inclusion and economic resilience amid global and domestic challenges. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

BUSINESS

Room for deeper cuts seen

By Niña Myka Pauline Arceo

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus serves to Belgium’s Elise Mertens during a fourth round women’s singles match at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London on July 6, 2025. AP PHOTO

SPORTS

Sabalenka storms into Wimbledon quarters

By Agence France-Presse

IT’S FINALLY OVER Lead barrister Colin Mandy is surrounded by members of the media as he leaves Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court in Morwell on July 7, 2025. AFP PHOTO

WORLD

Australian woman guilty of ‘mushroom murders’

By Agence France-Presse

A source of artist manager and vlogger Ogie Diaz (inset) claims Kathryn Bernardo is the apple of Lucena City Mayor Mark Alcala’s eye. PHOTOS FROM INSTAGRAM/BERNARDOKATH, MARKALCALA10, OGIE_DIAZ

Fans should let Kathryn bide her time on love life reveal

By Ronnie Carrasco 3rd

Whether for studying, creating or staying connected, Cyberzone offers something for every student to make the most of the academic year. PHOTO FROM CYBERZONE

LIFESTYLE

Kickstart the school year with premium tech

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Don Artes launched the MayHuliKa WebApp SMS/Email Notification under the No Contact Apprehension Policy Text Notification, which aims to help inform motorists if they have committed a violation, on July 7, 2025 at the MMDA office in Pasig City. PHOTO BY ISMAEL DE JUAN

‘MAY HULI KA’ NOTIFICATION

July 7, 2025

The National Bureau of Investigation arrested Vincent Sulima and four others for selling unregistered vape products in violation of Republic Act 11900. The operation followed surveillance, a test-buy, and verification from the Department of Trade and Industry. The suspects were presented to NBI chief Jaime Santiago.
PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN

UNREGISTERED VAPE PRODUCTS

July 7, 2025

Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian led the ceremonial launch of the P20-per-kilo rice program for beneficiaries of the Walang Gutom Program. The activity, dubbed “Benteng Bigas, Meron na sa WGP”, was held at the Morsac Basketball Court in Moriones Street in Tondo, Manila on Monday, July 7. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN

July 7, 2025

NBI Director Jaime Santiago presented to the media on July 7, 2025 extortion suspects who reportedly victimized a businessman for years. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN

EXTORTION SUSPECTS

July 7, 2025

A truck crashes into a concrete barrier along Ortigas Avenue in Pasig City on July 7, 2025. PHOTOS BY JOHN ORVEN VERDOTE

July 7, 2025

Photo from www.congress.gov.ph/

Nation

Frasco name in mix for speakership

AS the 20th House of Representatives nears the election of its leader, Cebu 5th District Rep. Duke Frasco has emerged as a dark horse, with insiders pointing to his combination of executive and legislative experience, regional representation, and professional grounding in finance.Frasco, the husband of Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, is on his third and final consecutive term as the representative of Cebu’s 5th district.He was educated and raised in the United States, where he earned a degree in finance and accounting, and served as a multinational corporation’s internal auditor.“His

By Reina C. Tolentino - July 8, 2025

New Makati govt seeks to stop subway deal

Lawmakers file bills banning online gambling

Navy confirms ‘possible transfer’ of destroyers

Dela Rosa, Go sign resolution seeking Duterte repatriation

`Escudero has 13 votes to remain Senate head’

17 bets for ombudsman face JBC screening

Gasoline prices decline for 2nd straight week

LTFRB seeks relief talks for PUV operators

Marcos orders DPWH to speed bridge repair

NEVER FORGOTTEN The descendants of Hobart Dator, the teenage leader of the Anderson Guerilla 43 during the Japanese occupation, offered flowers to Dator’s monument at the entrance of the municipal hall in Lucban, Quezon, on July 4, 2025. PHOTO BY BELLY OTORDOZ

Lucban’s war hero commemorated

Treñas eyes extension of 40% RPT discount

Go proposes employment assistance program

SKorea court to deliberate on Yoon’s case

TOPSY- TURVY A general view of a night market sign after being knocked down by Typhoon Danas in Chiayi on July 7, 2025. AFP PHOTO

Two dead, hundreds injured as typhoon pounds Taiwan

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NKorea bans Western influencers from trade fair

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1,600 quakes rock remote Japan islands

Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupts, as seen from Nangahale village in Sikka, East Nusa Tenggara on July 7, 2025. AFP PHOTO

Indonesia volcano emits 18-kilometer ash tower

CALLING FOR ACTION A protester portraying Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as Pinocchio during an anti-government protest in Tel Aviv on July 5, 2025. AFP Photo

Netanyahu, Trump talks can help seal truce deal

NON-STOP OPERATIONS Military personnel carry a camp trunk salvaged down river from Camp Mystic along the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas, on July 6, 2025. AP PHOTO

Texas flash floods death toll rises to 82

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Top Business

Higher US tariffs to kick in August 1

MORRISTOWN, New Jersey — The United States is close to finalizing several trade pacts in coming days and will notify other countries of higher tariff rates by July 9, President Donald Trump said on Sunday, with the higher rates set to take effect on Aug. 1.Since taking office, Trump has set off a global trade war that has roiled financial markets and sent policymakers scrambling to protect their economies, through efforts such as deals with the United States and other countries.In April Trump unveiled a base tariff rate of 10 percent on most countries and additional duties ranging up to 50

By Reuters - July 8, 2025

Transmission rate hike could start next month

Palace: Govt debt at ‘sustainable level’

Farm sector recovering – DA chief

EEI wins P16-B DPWH contract

Digital payments use up in 2024 – BSP

Govt council reviews financial sector risks

Lazada PH sellers learn about AI tools, marketing

Peso plunges, PSEi rebounds to start the week

DTI issues trust seal for online businesses

Del Monte financially sound, exchange told

AirAsia eyeing more hubs outside metro

DigiPlus OKs share buyback amid moves to curb online gambling

LA Tenorio PBA PHOTO

Sports

Coach Tim Cone: Miracles do happen

TIM Cone did not run out of superlatives on Sunday night when veteran guard LA Tenorio literally preserved Barangay Ginebra’s PBA Philippine Cup title aspirations with a game-winning three-point shot to push their semifinal series to a seventh and final game against San Miguel Beer.Down by two points with 11 seconds to go, Ginebra patiently waited for the right moment, before Scottie Thompson made the kick-out pass to Tenorio who went on to bury the triple to give Ginebra the lead, 88-87, with three ticks to go.SMB wingman CJ Perez tried to go for the game-winning four-point shot on the

By Richard Dy - July 8, 2025

Quiambao locked in for fierce 5150 clash

PH to host World Pole Vault Challenge

Delos Santos bags gold at Asian Youth

Campbell tops Grillo in playoff to claim PGA title

Brown wins BMW International Open

Wheeler’s 1-hitter lift Phillies past Reds

Durant’s record-setting trade to Houston now official

Cone adds Abarrientos, Rosario, Abando, Lucero added to Gilas pool

Stock Watch

Stock indices as of July 7, 2025

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Stock indices as of July 4, 2025

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A daughter’s legacy

Indulge in the sweet sensation of chocolate

INCLUSIVE FINANCIAL GROWTH Now in its 32nd year, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas stays steady in driving digitalization, financial inclusion and economic resilience amid global and domestic challenges. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

BSP’s role in building a more inclusive, resilient PH economy

ECONOMIC ANCHOR Through stable prices, a strong financial system and reliable payment networks, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) helps Filipinos spend wisely, save securely, invest and grow businesses with confidence, and plan for what’s ahead. PHOTO FROM BSP

Three pillars of central banking and why they matter to you

SEAMLESS TRANSACTIONS Marilou Dinampo, who runs a fruit stall in Davao City, enjoys faster and more convenient transactions through quick-response or QR technology. PHOTO FROM BSP

Markets go digital: More LGUs join Paleng-QR Ph Plus

PREMIUM DESTINATIONS Located at the heart of Ortigas Center, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria has consistently provided an ideal venue for major local and international gatherings. PHOTO FROM CROWNE PLAZA MANILA GALLERIA

Tmt Newswire

Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria receives international nominations

CROWNE Plaza Manila Galleria is proud to announce its recent nominations in several of the most esteemed global awards in the hospitality industry, affirming its status as one of the country’s premier destinations for business, events, and exceptional dining experiences.The hotel is honored to be nominated as the Philippines’ Leading Conference Hotel at the World Travel Awards 2025 and Best MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) Hotel 2025 at the World MICE Awards. Xin Tian Di is also nominated for the World Luxury Restaurant Awards.These nominations recognize Crowne

Toyota Motor Philippines empowers Filipinos with the power of choice

A tasty twist for Brigada Eskwela 2025

10 Yen King expands footprint in Metro Manila

Belmont Hotel Manila launches ‘Paghabi at Kape’

Carabao power: Bridging the last mile with heart, grit

Lagen awaits: A special homecoming offer

Grupo Dibujo unveils its latest collective exhibition ‘Unscripted Strokes’

Ascendra International sets stage to redefine PH’s network marketing

FREE PUBLIC WI-FI

Over P645M worth of road projects being built in Cagayan Valley, Cordillera to sustain peace gains

New Foro de Intramuros hosts 4th LikhaExhibit

Cebu Landmasters launches first solar-integrated homes, 85 percent sold in three Days

All-New Nissan Patrol Nismo on track.

Fast Times

2026 Nissan Patrol Nismo: A track-capable off-roader for eight

By Isaac Atienza

From left: Willy Tee Ten, Autohub Group president; Sylva Yu, new CEO of Geely Motor Philippines; Philan Sun of Geeling International; and Michael Goho, vice president of Gateway Group.

New boss, new energy

Fort San Felipe in Cavite City.

Cavite heroes trail by Cavitex

Build & Design

Architects in a state of endless innovation

Artist’s perspective of Mactan Expo slated to open in Q4 2025. IMAGE FROM MEGAWORLD.

Game-changer for tourism in Cebu

A BREEZY WALK SM North EDSA houses the first Sky Garden in an SM mall, highlighting endemic plants and water features that bring nature onto a rooftop. PHOTO FROM SM

SM Supermalls elevates urban air quality

Miss Grand International Philippines 2025 candidates together with National Director Arnold Vegafria and reigning Miss Grand International 2024 Christine Juliane ‘CJ’ Opiaza. PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK/MSGRANDPHIL

Miss Grand Philippines 2025 reveals 32 official candidates

By Iza Iglesias - July 8, 2025

‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ bites off $318 million at the global box office

My Chemical Romance to hold PH concert in 2026

Brent Manalo, Mika Salamanca named big winners of ‘PBB: Celebrity Collab Edition’

K-drama actress Han So-hee to hold fan meet in PH

Pop star Katy Perry and actor Orlando Bloom split 6 years after getting engaged

Lolit Solis passes away at 78

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Upgrade living spaces with a great home sale

Inaugural Famas Prestige Awards honors excellence in multiple fields

‘Inspired Beginnings 2025’ showcases the art of weddings at Conrad Manila

Catwalk Philippines 2025 names winners

A grand celebration of life and friendship for Carmen Tan’s 70th birthday

Joice Espinoza embraces deeper artistry at 18

New Era marks 10th year in PH with drone show

The Sunday Times Magazine

Barbie Forteza on evolving and owning her ‘empire’

July 6, 2025

A sweet collaboration between Theo and Philo and Hotel Okura Manila. PHOTOS FROM NEWPORT WORLD RESORTS

A craving worth celebrating

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Rediscover the joy of chocolate with Enhypen

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The warmth of fish tinola

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SPEEd reveals 8th Eddys Box Office Hero awardees

The Manila Times CSI

First Secretary Hidenori Akasaka PHOTO FROM FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION

Expats & Diplomats

Japan backs project for sustainable fishery value chains in BARMM

Stock Watch

Stock indices as of July 7, 2025

All-New Nissan Patrol Nismo on track.

Fast Times

2026 Nissan Patrol Nismo: A track-capable off-roader for eight

By Isaac Atienza - July 8, 2025

A special flag raising ceremony was held at the Rizal Park sponsored and organized by SeaFam International and attended by several government officials like Sonia Malaluan, administrator of the Maritime Industry Authority, and other maritime stakeholders. PHOTO BY WILMAR ALMERIA

Maritime

PH maritime industry marks Day of Seafarer

By Yashika F. Torib - July 2, 2025

Build & Design

Architects in a state of endless innovation

By Cora Llamas - July 8, 2025

A BREEZY WALK SM North EDSA houses the first Sky Garden in an SM mall, highlighting endemic plants and water features that bring nature onto a rooftop. PHOTO FROM SM

Green Industries

SM Supermalls elevates urban air quality

Holy Angel University students win People’s Choice Award at the 2025 APAC Solution Challenge. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Campus Press

Filipino students' waste management tracking system wins at Asia-Pacific Solution Challenge

Boardroom Watch

A daughter’s legacy

By Susan Claire Agbayani - July 4, 2025

FAST CEO for Logistics Manuel Onrejas Jr., Aritao Municipal Mayor Remelina Peros-Galam, and DTI Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Director Ramil Garcia sign a Memorandum of Partnership Agreement (MOPA) to establish a Logistics Support Kiosk at the OTOP Store in Aritao. The kiosk will serve as a drop-off and consolidation point for MSME products, which FAST will transport to Metro Manila and other key markets. PHOTO COURTESY OF FAST LOGISTICS GROUP

Agribusiness

Vizcaya gets logistics kiosk

By Leander C. Domingo - July 3, 2025