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Saturday, July 5, 2025
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SWEPT IN A HUG A reunification center is set up in Ingram, Texas, after flash floods swept the area on July 4, 2025, forcing residents to flee their homes. PHOTO BY ERIC GAY/AP

24 dead in Texas floods, over 20 children missing from girls’ summer camp

By Associated Press

HEADLINES: ICC bolsters case against Duterte | July 5, 2025

HEADLINES: ICC bolsters case against Duterte | July 5, 2025

Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and former Senator Leila de Lima, attend the Senate hearing on War on drugs, held inside Senate session hall in Pasay City, on 28 October 2024. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

Duterte won't appeal ICC ruling on judges — lawyer

Former president Rodrigo Duterte

ICC bolsters case against Duterte

By Javier Joe Ismael , Franco Jose C. Baroña and Aric John Sy Cua

ICC rejects Duterte bid to disqualify judges in drug war case

By Javier Joe Ismael and Franco Jose C. Baroña

Duterte won't appeal ICC ruling on judges — lawyer

ICC bolsters case against Duterte

ICC rejects Duterte bid to disqualify judges in drug war case

WATCH: Manila Times partners with Carl Balita center for writing contest for students, teachers

Ces Robles (right). PVL PHOTO

PVL On Tour: Crossovers deny Solar Spikers redemption after scoring 1st win

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WATCH: Manila Times partners with Carl Balita center for writing contest for students, teachers

FUNLAND A view of Legoland Shanghai a day before it opens to the public in SHanghai, China on July 4, 2025. PHOTO BY NG HAN GUAN/AP

World’s largest Legoland opens in Shanghai

No injuries or casualties have been reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire and assessing the extent of the damage. CAPTION: FLEET OF FIRETRUCKS Firetrucks are lined up along Santol St. in Sta. Mesa, Manila where a fire broke out from a residential area on July 5, 2025. No casualties were reported and the cause of the fire has yet to be determined. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN

Fires hit homes in Manila, Mandaluyong

Carlos Alcaraz AFP PHOTO

Erratic Alcaraz battles into Wimbledon fourth round

Chelsea’s Andrey Santos (left) and Palmeiras' Mauricio fight for the ball during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 quarterfinal match at the Lincoln Financial Field Stadium in Philadelphia on July 4, 2025. AFP PHOTO

Chelsea reaches Club World Cup semis

Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka celebrates winning a point against Britain's Emma Raducanu during their third round match in the 2025 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Club in Wimbledon on July 4, 2025. AFP PHOTO

Sabalenka outguns Raducanu to reach Wimbledon last 16

SCREENGRAB FROM DOST PAGASA

Storm intensifies after exiting PH — Pagasa

Vehicles slowly travel along EDSA in Pasay City and Makati City on May 20, 2025 as the rush hour starts as traffic cameras of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) are attached to light posts along the major thoroughfare. The Supreme Court lifted the temporary restraining order (TRO) against the implementation of the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP). PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

Gutter-deep waters on Edsa tunnel northbound, motorists advised to go slow

(FILES) This photo taken on March 22, 2022 shows roosters squaring off during a cockfight at the World Slasher Cup 2022 in Manila. The Philippines justice secretary said on July 4, 2025 he has asked for Japan's technical assistance in searching for dozens of cockfighting participants allegedly killed by rogue police and dumped in a lake south of Manila. (Photo by JAM STA ROSA / AFP)

Philippines asks Japan's help searching lake for missing cockfighters

Antonio Contreras

On the Contrary

Beyond metrics and merit: Reimagining academic promotion in PH higher education

By Antonio Contreras

Observer

The Philippines has a foreign agents law

By Yen Makabenta

Remoto Control

Writing the short story

By Danton Remoto

Jaime J. Yambao

Ambassadors' Corner

A Nobel Peace Prize for Trump?

By Jaime J. Yambao

Today's Front Page

BUDGET INSERTIONS

Growing debt concern must be closely watched

Management prerogative in transferring employees

By Persida Acosta

Al Vitangcol III

All Insight

‘Tax ng Ina Mo’ and guarding our public funds

By Al Vitangcol III

Mauro Gia Samonte

My Say

Francis Tolentino, nationalist?

By Mauro Gia Samonte

Anna Malindog-Uy

Headsight

Bullets and bunkers: Is PH the next US ammunition hub?

By Anna Malindog-Uy

By Alvin Santos

Agence France-Presse

‘Hug therapy’: How Pope Leo XIV is trying to unify the Vatican

By Agence France-Presse

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

BUSINESS

SM Supermalls elevates urban air quality

Ces Robles (right). PVL PHOTO

SPORTS

PVL On Tour: Crossovers deny Solar Spikers redemption after scoring 1st win

By Nicole Anne D.G. Bugauisan

FUNLAND A view of Legoland Shanghai a day before it opens to the public in SHanghai, China on July 4, 2025. PHOTO BY NG HAN GUAN/AP

WORLD

World’s largest Legoland opens in Shanghai

By Associated Press

South Korean actress Han So-hee PHOTO FROM INSTAGRAM/ XEESOXEE

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

By Iza Iglesias

Hazel Rebadulla Riguera

LIFESTYLE

Inaugural Famas Prestige Awards honors excellence in multiple fields

By Becky Garcia

Chairman Roy Quizon of Barangay 399 in Manila, together with other officials, leads the posting of an announcement enforcing a curfew set by the Manila local government on July 5, 2025. The curfew for minors from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. was implemented following a directive from Manila Mayor Isko Moreno to ensure the safety and welfare of the city’s youth. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN

July 5, 2025

Fog and heavy rains greet Metro Manila on July 5, 2025, as the southwest monsoon (habagat) brings inclement weather to the region. Continuous rains are expected throughout the day, according to state weather bureau. PHOTOS BY RIO DELUVIO

STORMY SATURDAY

July 5, 2025

About 300 fishermen protest in front of the Supreme Court on July 4, 2025 over an Aug. 19, 2024 resolution upholding a ruling by the Malabon Regional Trial Court that permits commercial fishing within the 15-kilometer municipal waters, which are generally allocated for small-scale and artisanal fishers under the law. Nearly a year after the resolution and three months since the filing of the latest Motion for Intervention, the Supreme Court has not yet issued a response to the appeal by fishing groups. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN

FISHING FOR REFORM

July 5, 2025

Families of the missing sabungeros visit the Department of Justice (DOJ) in Manila on July 4, 2025 for updates on the unresolved cases of their loved ones. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN

WHERE ARE THEY?

July 5, 2025

Deputy Chairman Frisco San Juan Jr. signs a memorandum of agreement with Erlinda Daquigan, assistant regional director for management services of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-National Capital Region (DENR-NCR), for the rehabilitation and sustainable development of the Pasig River Ferry Service at the Guadalupe Ferry Station in Taguig City and conducts a river ferry tour on July 4, 2025. PHOTOS BY ISMAEL DE JUAN

SUSTAINABLE REHABILITATION

July 5, 2025

ELUSIVE JUSTICE Families of the missing sabungeros, or cockfight enthusiasts, visit the Department of Justice in Manila on July 4, 2025, for updates on the case. Key witnesses have tagged Charlie ‘Atong’ Ang as the alleged mastermind, but the businessman denied this and filed a complaint before the Mandaluyong Prosecutor’s Office on July 3. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN

Nation

Gretchen Barretto denies link to missing sabungeros

ACTRESS and socialite Gretchen Barretto has denied involvement in the disappearance of more than 30 sabungeros, or cockfighting enthusiasts, after she was implicated by a whistleblower.The whistleblower, Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, also known as “Alyas Totoy,” claims that Barretto and Charlie “Atong” Ang, a gaming tycoon involved in online cockfighting, were behind the abduction and killing of the sabungeros.Patidongan identified himself as Ang’s chief of security for his game fowl farms for 15 years.In a statement released through her lawyer Alma Mallonga, Barretto said the

By Christina Alpad, Franco Jose C. Baroña and Agence France-Presse - July 5, 2025

‘Bising’ leaves PAR, but rains will persist

Bataan school finalist at World’s Best School Prizes contest

Sara visits Iglesia leader

US reaffirms support for 2016 arbitral ruling

Showbiz mourns passing of Lolit Solis

MMDA, DENR-NCR team up for Pasig River rehab

8 Pinoy caregivers repatriated from Israel

Tondo fire quickly contained; no reported casualties

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leads the incineration of seized illegal drugs at Clean Leaf International Corporation in Barangay Cutcut, Capas, Tarlac on June 25, 2025, as part of the government’s ongoing anti-drug campaign. The event followed the President's inspection a day earlier of 1,530.647 kilograms of illegal drugs worth ₱9.48 billion, intercepted in Luzon waters in separate operations. Joined by Justice and anti-drug officials, the President witnessed the confirmatory testing of methamphetamine, marijuana, cocaine, and ecstasy before overseeing the loading of the substances into the incinerator. After sealing the chamber, Marcos activated the reactor dial that would start the 24-hour process of destroying the drugs. PHOTOS BY THE PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE

Mandatory drug test for politicians eyed

MORE Power inks 6.6 MW solar deal

Man hacks nephew out of jealousy

Lawmaker seeks details on Mindoro dredging

INDEPENDENCE DAY BASH US President Donald Trump (C) shows his signature on the ‘Big Beautiful Bill Act’ at the White House in Washington, DC, on July 4, 2025. Trump signed his flagship tax and spending bill on July 4 in a pomp-laden Independence Day ceremony featuring fireworks and a flypast by the type of stealth bomber that bombed Iran. Trump pushed Republican lawmakers to get his unpopular ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ through a reluctant Congress in time for him to sign it into law on the US national holiday -- and they did so with a day to spare. PHOTO BY BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/POOL/AFP

Trump celebrates US Independence Day with bombers, ‘beautiful bill’

By Agence France-Presse

RACE AGAINST TIME Rescuers continue their search for missing victims of a ferry accident in waters off the Bali Strait in Jembrana regency, Bali island, southern Indonesia, on July 4, 2025. AFP PHOTO

Search widens for missing after Bali-bound ferry sank

SUCCESSION PLAN A television screen shows the Dalai Lama’s recorded message at the main temple of Tsuglhakhang in the McLeod Ganj suburb, near the town of Dharamsala, northern India, on July 2, 2025. EPA PHOTO

India backs Dalai Lama’s position on succession

SOLID STANCE Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka (center) arrives at the Great Hall of the People for a meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping (not pictured) in the Chinese capital Beijing on Aug. 20, 2024. EPA FILE PHOTO

China: No plan to build military base in SPacific

FINAL FLIGHT A Vietnam-era F-5 fighter jet (right) and an F-5F fighter plane take off during a retirement ceremony for RF-5E Tigergazer fighter jets at an air base in Hualien county, eastern Taiwan, on July 4, 2025. AP PHOTO

Taiwan retires its last F-5 fighter jets

Myanmar’s national flag is being raised during a flag-raising ceremony to mark the 73rd Myanmar Independence Day in the city of Yangon, central Myanmar, on Jan. 4, 2021. EPA FILE PHOTO

Myanmar junta: 93 child soldiers released from service

REMAINS OF THE DAY The sun sets behind destroyed buildings in the Gaza Strip on July 3, 2025. AFP PHOTO

Hamas holds consultations on Gaza truce proposal

US President Donald Trump speaks to reporters at Joint Base Andres in Maryland as he departs to deliver remarks at a Salute to America Celebration at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines on July 3, 2025. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP)

Top Business

Trump: US to start sending tariff letters

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said he planned to start sending letters informing trading partners of their tariff rates as soon as Friday as negotiations to avoid higher US levies entered the final stretch.“My inclination is to send a letter out and say what tariff they’re going to be paying,” he told reporters on Thursday. “It’s just much easier.”He added: “We’re going to be sending some letters out, starting probably tomorrow.”Countries will start paying the tariffs from Aug. 1, the president said. “They’ll range in value from maybe 60 or 70 percent tariffs to

Aboitiz submits highest bid for CBK power plants

IFC boosts investments amid global uncertainty

Peso, stock market drop ahead of tariff deadline

BOI fast-tracks 31 projects worth P18.7B

SP New Energy: No impact from MGreen-Solar PH deal

Wind turbines arrive for Alternergy project

What If your child could have an extra hour every school day?

Why playfulness belongs at work

Foreign Business

AstraZeneca eyes licensing lung cancer drug

Foreign Business

Air France-KLM to take majority stake in SAS

Foreign Business

15 Chinese EV brands financially viable by 2030

Foreign Business

Heatwave impacts Japan matcha tea output

Chelsea’s Andrey Santos (left) and Palmeiras' Mauricio fight for the ball during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 quarterfinal match at the Lincoln Financial Field Stadium in Philadelphia on July 4, 2025. AFP PHOTO

Sports

Chelsea reaches Club World Cup semis

PHILADELPHIA — A late own-goal by goalkeeper Weverton took Chelsea through to the Club World Cup semi-finals on Friday (Saturday in Manila) as the Premier League side edged Palmeiras of Brazil 2-1 in a last-eight tie that had been lit up by a moment of magic from young star Estevao Willian.The teenage Brazil forward, who will join Chelsea after the tournament, was eager to impress his future employers and his brilliant 53rd-minute finish cancelled out Cole Palmer's opener in Philadelphia.But a deflected Malo Gusto cross went in off Palmeiras 'keeper Weverton in the 83rd minute to

Sabalenka outguns Raducanu to reach Wimbledon last 16

Erratic Alcaraz battles into Wimbledon fourth round

Alex Eala moves on, sets sights on US Open

GM Torre to grace the Ozamiz chess festival

Canino sets for busy chess campaign abroad

Chargers, Solar Spikers look to see daylight

Strong group taps Miller as import

Alcaraz searches for perfect serve at Wimbledon

Stock Watch

Stock indices as of July 4, 2025

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A daughter’s legacy

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Stock indices as of July 3, 2025

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

How a young professional recovers her money in just 4 days

SUCCESSFUL RUN Recently concluded IAAPA Expo Asia 2025 is an exploration of the future of attractions and entertainment, featuring education sessions, exclusive networking events and one-of-a-kind EDUTour experiences that fostered meaningful insights and forward-thinking ideas. PHOTO FROM IAAPA EXPO ASIA 2025

Tmt Newswire

IAAPA Expo Asia exceeds last year’s attendance, showing continued growth in APAC

IAAPA Expo Asia 2025 concluded at the Shanghai New International Expo Center, bringing together the global attractions industry for three dynamic days of networking, innovation and inspiration.The vibrant setting welcomed 7,093 verified attendees out of 8,016 registered, all eager to explore the future of attractions and entertainment. The trade show floor also welcomed 5,651 qualified buyers representing 85 countries.With more than 350 exhibiting companies, the show floor served as a hub of activity and discovery, showcasing cutting-edge products, services and technologies shaping the

Local devt council lauds DOST for rural growth initiatives in NorMin

DepEd: Marcos-backed feeding efforts boost summer literacy gains

DOST-FPRDI marks 68th anniversary with forest innovation national conference

DOST, San Miguel Foods launch Enhanced Nutribun Premix to help address child malnutrition

Comment to win vivo V50 Photography Masterclass with BJ Pascual

Toyota endorses end-of-life dismantling facility for insured vehicles in Cavite

SM Investments CEO recognized for financial excellence leadership

US health care firm unveils first virtual nursing hub in PH

Here’s how runners are going beyond their wellness journey

Aston Martin Vantage earns class wins at 2025 Crowdstrike 24 Hours of Spa

Wire and Tube SEA Seminar tackles Asean industrial growth in PH

DTI, P&G partner to turn startup innovations into solutions

Christian Magcawas, 2025 class valedictorian, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Science in Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Campus Press

‘Education a basic right, not a luxury’

By The Manila Times

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PH accreditation for British Council’s English proficiency test

Grade 10 student Dave Cruz is into 3D printing and modeling, as well as programming, at NTC SmartClass. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

NTC offers flexible homeschooling

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

Mary Jing Contawe shows her newly acquired hand tractor.

Kalasag’s ‘small’ farmers become agro-entrepreneurs

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One agreement for 15-M hectare forest lands

FILE - Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom appear at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills, Calif., on March 2, 2025. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)

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

By Agence France-Presse - July 4, 2025

Lolit Solis passes away at 78

Atasha Muhlach comes into her own in ‘Bad Genius: The Series’

Compelling cliffhangers keep ‘Si Sol at si Luna’ trending

Sean Combs acquitted of sex trafficking, convicted on lesser charge

The wait is over!

Filipino reggae singer Elias J TV to launch first US tour in September

Francis Libiran walks at the finale of ‘Devoción,’ a bridal couture collection PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

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

By Iza Iglesias - July 5, 2025

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

Candy Pangilinan shares raw side of parenting

The Sunday Times Magazine

On choosing family, health and healing

June 29, 2025

Welcoming Janine Gutierrez to the HMO family are iCare executives Geronimo Francisco and Dr. Mark Roland
Malanay. PHOTO FROM ICARE HEALTH PLUS SYSTEMS, INC.

Fast-growing HMO steps up push for accessible, affordable services

The columnist with the ‘Homecoming’ team.

Why a queer Korean film shooting in Quezon City matters

Peter John Natividad hopes to help foster a museum community that is both preservation-driven and future-ready. PHOTO COURTESY OF PETER JOHN NATIVIDAD

Peter John Natividad shares his journey in museum conservation and management

Instead of allowing setbacks to diminish his aspirations, Adrian Morales redirected his focus toward other avenues for success. PHOTO FROM LANDER BLANZA

From college dropout to established visual artist

The Manila Times CSI

Cebu Pacific recognizes outstanding OFWs in Hong Kong in an event attended by (from left) Phil Alliance President Lanie Leilani Campos, Edna Fontanilla, Vice Consul Allan Revote, Vilma Manganaan, Melita Garibay, Dante Berido, Consul General Victor Israel Jr., Rita Blanchard, and CEB Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer Candice Iyog. PHOTO FROM CEBU PACIFIC

Expats & Diplomats

Local airline marks 20 years in Hong Kong with tribute to OFWs

Stock Watch

Stock indices as of July 4, 2025

Fast Times

Audi’s Q3 gets smarter, sharper, and greener

By Isaac Atienza - July 1, 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

Display about the music of Angono’s Salubong. PHOTOS FROM JOHN MARK TORRENTE

Build & Design

A museum built on Angono’s musical heritage

By Jovi Miroy - July 1, 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

Christian Magcawas, 2025 class valedictorian, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Science in Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Campus Press

‘Education a basic right, not a luxury’

By The Manila Times - July 3, 2025

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