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Wednesday, May 21, 2025
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LPA unlikely to develop into cyclone but rains seen over most of PH

By Philippine News Agency

HEADLINES: Senate coup talk centers on Sotto | May 21, 2025

HEADLINES: Senate coup talk centers on Sotto | May 21, 2025

Senator-elect Tito Sotto PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN

Senate coup talk centers on Sotto

By Bernadette E. Tamayo

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). PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

SC allows partial implementation of No Contact Apprehension policy

By Franco Jose C. Baroña

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. answers questions in his podcast. SCREENGRAB FROM BONGBONG MARCOS FACEBOOK

Marcos eyes reconciliation

By Kristina Maralit

Senate coup talk centers on Sotto

SC allows partial implementation of No Contact Apprehension policy

Marcos eyes reconciliation

Today's Weather, 5 A.M. | May 21, 2025

FILE - Potato chips are displayed in pharmacy Duane Reade by Walgreens, Thursday, March 25, 2021, in New York. Walgreens reports earnings March 31, 2021. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, file)

Markers in blood and urine may reveal how much ultra processed food we are eating

FILE - Pope Leo XIV appears at the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica for his first Sunday blessing after his election, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, May 11, 2025.(AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, File)

Survivors of clergy sexual abuse turn up calls for reforms from new pope's American hometown

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 19: Tesla cars sit parked at a charging station on May 19, 2025 in San Francisco, California. Republican lawmakers in Washington DC are poised to vote on waivers that allow California to set its own emission standards. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by JUSTIN SULLIVAN / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

Musk vows to put hundreds of thousands of self-driving Teslas on US roads by the end of next year

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Valenzuela unveils 'VAL ID' for PWDs, elderly

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo (left) applies pressure on Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander during the second half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball Western Conference Finals playoff series on May 20, 2025 in Oklahoma City. AP PHOTO

Gilgeous-Alexander leads Thunder rally past Timberwolves

Veejay Pre UAAP PHOTO

Veejay Pre makes his 'hardest decision ever,' leaves FEU

Novak Djokovic AFP PHOTO

Djokovic says 'not in need of a coach' as French Open looms

In this picture taken on April 27, 2025, an Afghan boy fills his potable water tanker from a pump on the outskirts of Kabul. Kabulis will have to lug water in heavy jugs from wells or buy it from tankers -- which charge at least twice as much as the state-owned utility, with potable water even more pricy as the city struggles to combat an entrenched water crisis, in a country where 85 percent of the population lives on less than a dollar a day, according to the United Nations. (Photo by Wakil KOHSAR / AFP) / TO GO WITH: AFGHANISTAN-WATER-URBAN-PLANNING, REPORTAGE BY SUSANNAH WALDEN

'Serious problem': Afghan capital losing race against water shortages

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 20: President Donald Trump speaks to the press following a House Republican meeting at the U.S. Capitol on May 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump will joined conservative House lawmakers to help push through their budget bill after it advanced through the House Budget Committee on Sunday evening. Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by TASOS KATOPODIS / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

Trump unveils plans for 'Golden Dome' missile shield for US

In this handout photograph taken and released by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Service on May 20, 2025, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky attends a maeeting with the Crown Prince of Norway in Kyiv, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Photo by Handout / UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

US expects Russia offer soon as Zelenskyy sounds warning

Rigoberto D. Tiglao

Marcos: Stunned, shell-shocked

By Rigoberto D. Tiglao

Fr. Ranhilio Callangan Aquino

The priesthood and my mother

By Fr. Ranhilio Callangan Aquino

Francisco S. Tatad

First Things First

A clean and honest election? Two conflicting views

By Francisco S. Tatad

Trumping through trade and diplomacy

Today's Front Page

Infrastructure in crisis?

Rights of pedestrians crossing through pedestrian lanes

By Persida Acosta

Lito Monico C. Lorenzana

Centrist Democracy Political Institute

Postmortem for clowns, comedians, actors, atbp.

By Lito Monico C. Lorenzana

By Ingming Aberia

Marlen V. Ronquillo

Midweek Comments

Heidi and Luke: The Kiko-Bam of the next election

By Marlen V. Ronquillo

Daphne Oseña-Paez

Urbanista

DENR partners with private sector leaders and global forest champions on reforestation

By Daphne Oseña-Paez

Speech! Speech!

By Alvin Santos

Google CEO Sundar Pichai addresses the crowd during Google's annual I/O developers conference in Mountain View, California on May 20, 2025. (Photo by Camille Cohen / AFP)

BUSINESS

Google ramps up search with AI mode

By Agence France-Presse

Daniel Miranda CEBUANA LHUILLIER PHOTO

SPORTS

Miranda gears up for 2025 drift series

FILE - Potato chips are displayed in pharmacy Duane Reade by Walgreens, Thursday, March 25, 2021, in New York. Walgreens reports earnings March 31, 2021. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, file)

WORLD

Markers in blood and urine may reveal how much ultra processed food we are eating

By Associated Press

Regina Ventura, mother of Cassie Ventura, arrives at federal court for Combs' sex trafficking trial in New York City on May 20, 2025. Prosecutors trying the case of Sean "Diddy" Combs on Monday began questioning witnesses to his alleged pattern of violence including the music mogul's ex-girlfriend's one-time best friend. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP)

Mother of Combs's ex Cassie testifies at music mogul's trial

By Agence France-Presse

Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales meets with guests during a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, in London, on May 20, 2025. Liz Hatton a cancer campaigner and photography prodigy from Harrogate, passed away at the age of 17 in November 2024 from a rare and largely untreatable cancer. (Photo by Aaron Chown / POOL / AFP)

LIFESTYLE

New wax figure of Princess Catherine unveiled by museum

By Agence France-Presse

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

NO CONTACT APPREHENSION

May 20, 2025

Persons with disabilities (PWDs) use the newly installed vertical lift for wheelchair users and the renovated access ramp at the EDSA-Philam bus carousel in Quezon City on May 20, 2025. Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Don Artes also inspected the station following improvement works, after it drew criticism for the ramp’s steep angle. PHOTOS BY ISMAEL DE JUAN

ELEVATOR FOR PWDs

May 20, 2025

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), led by its chairman Don Artes, General Manager Procopio Lipana, Pasig City Vice Mayor Dodot Jaworski, World Bank’s Takeshi Murakami, inspects the newly acquired heavy equipment and dump trucks under the Metro Manila Flood Management Project at the MMDA Motorcycle Riding Academy in Pasig City on May 20, 2025. The new fleet boosts the agency’s capability to declog waterways, manage solid waste, and respond to flooding. Representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Pasig City government, and the World Bank join the event to reaffirm inter-agency collaboration on flood mitigation and urban resilience. PHOTOS BY ISMAEL DE JUAN

HEAVY EQUIPMENT

May 20, 2025

Sen. Grace Poe and her son, FPJ Party-list Rep.-elect Brian Poe Llamanzares, daughter and grandson respectively of actress Susan Roces commemorate her third death anniversary with a memorial mass at the Manila North Cemetery on May 20, 2025. They were joined by close friends and supporters in honoring the life and enduring impact of the iconic actress, whose contributions to Philippine cinema and culture continue to be celebrated. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN

LEGACY LIVES ON

May 20, 2025

Residents return to what remains of their homes after a fire razed their community along Road 12, Phase 1, Barangay 628, Sta. Mesa, Manila, on May 20, 2025. The blaze, which reached fourth alarm status, raged for 12 hours, claimed two lives, and left more than 100 families homeless. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN

May 20, 2025

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro

Nation

Officials linked to smuggling face raps

MALACAÑANG on Tuesday said charges would be filed against government officials who were allegedly involved in the smuggling of rice that kept its prices high for years. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. blamed smuggling and unnamed government officials from the Duterte administration for the almost three-year delay of his promised P20-per-kilo rice program. "The president said those are from the government. But he did not mention if they are from the executive department," Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in an interview with DZBB. "But if they are from the executive, they are probably

By Catherine S. Valente - May 21, 2025

Palace: Peace offer for all, not just the Dutertes

Amid rumors, Lacson denies meeting VP Sara

Duterte Youth files petition at Supreme Court

De Lima revels in ML's midterm poll triumph

Go pushes vigilance vs Covid resurgence

Villars thank Sara Duterte for support

PH Navy commissions two new ships

9 foreigners face deportation proceedings

A view of Mayon Volcano as a backdrop to Albay Gulf in Legazpi City. PHOTO BY RHAYDZ BARCIA

Loria vows to fight lighting of Mayon

TO BE BURNED Dangerous drugs seized by government agencies from various anti-illegal drugs operations are destroyed at the Integrated Waste Management Inc., Barangay Aguado, Trece Martires City, on May 20, 2025. PHOTO BY DENNIS ABRINA

PDEA destroys P5.32B worth of illegal drugs

PNP conducts 'Operation Baklas'

Department of Health

Over 500 show signs of cervical cancer

FILE - Pope Leo XIV appears at the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica for his first Sunday blessing after his election, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, May 11, 2025.(AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, File)

Survivors of clergy sexual abuse turn up calls for reforms from new pope's American hometown

By Associated Press

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 19: Tesla cars sit parked at a charging station on May 19, 2025 in San Francisco, California. Republican lawmakers in Washington DC are poised to vote on waivers that allow California to set its own emission standards. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by JUSTIN SULLIVAN / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

Musk vows to put hundreds of thousands of self-driving Teslas on US roads by the end of next year

In this picture taken on April 27, 2025, an Afghan boy fills his potable water tanker from a pump on the outskirts of Kabul. Kabulis will have to lug water in heavy jugs from wells or buy it from tankers -- which charge at least twice as much as the state-owned utility, with potable water even more pricy as the city struggles to combat an entrenched water crisis, in a country where 85 percent of the population lives on less than a dollar a day, according to the United Nations. (Photo by Wakil KOHSAR / AFP) / TO GO WITH: AFGHANISTAN-WATER-URBAN-PLANNING, REPORTAGE BY SUSANNAH WALDEN

'Serious problem': Afghan capital losing race against water shortages

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 20: President Donald Trump speaks to the press following a House Republican meeting at the U.S. Capitol on May 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump will joined conservative House lawmakers to help push through their budget bill after it advanced through the House Budget Committee on Sunday evening. Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by TASOS KATOPODIS / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

Trump unveils plans for 'Golden Dome' missile shield for US

In this handout photograph taken and released by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Service on May 20, 2025, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky attends a maeeting with the Crown Prince of Norway in Kyiv, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Photo by Handout / UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

US expects Russia offer soon as Zelenskyy sounds warning

Smoke billows to the north as Palestinians move with their belogings through Jabalia while fleeing the northern Gaza Strip towards Gaza City on May 19, 2025, amid Israeli evacuation orders and ongoing strikes. Israel said on May 19 it will "take control" of the whole of Gaza, where aid entered for the first time in more than two months as rescuers reported dozens killed in a newly intensified offensive. (Photo by Bashar TALEB / AFP)

Europe increases pressure on Israel over Gaza offensive

This picture shows a male polar bear walking on sea ice in eastern Spitzbergen, in the Svalbard archipelago, on April 9, 2025. The Norwegian Polar Institute, an Arctic research organisation, organised a five-week expedition aboard the high-tech research vessel and icebreaker Kronprins Haakon to collect adipose tissue biopsies and blood samples from polar bears in order to study the impact of pollutants on their health. (Photo by Olivier MORIN / AFP)

Polar bear biopsies to shed light on Arctic pollutants

Japan's farm minister Taku Eto (C) is surrounded by reporters as he enters the prime minister's office in Tokyo on May 21, 2025. Japan's farm minister resigned on May 21 after saying he never buys rice because he gets it free, a remark that drew public fury in a country facing soaring food prices. (Photo by JIJI Press / AFP) / Japan OUT / JAPAN OUT / JAPAN OUT

Foreign Business

Japan farm minister resigns over free rice gaffe

TOKYO, Japan — Japan's farm minister resigned Wednesday after saying he never buys rice because he gets it free, a remark that drew public fury in a country facing soaring food prices. "Just now I submitted my resignation to Prime Minister (Shigeru) Ishiba," Taku Eto told reporters at the premier's office. Japan's government has released some of its emergency stockpile of the grain in recent months, with Eto weeks ago lamenting the "hardship" felt by consumers. But addressing a gathering last weekend, Eto said he had "never bought rice myself because my supporters donate so

By Agence France-Presse - May 21, 2025

Foreign Business

Canada seeks to send 'strong message' with Ukraine at G7 finance talks

Gov't eyeing expansion of P20/kilo rice program

G7 finance chiefs to seek non-tariff accord in Canada

PH banking sector assets increase to P27.6T in March

Negative news hits PSEi; peso rebounds

USDA's PH rice imports forecast 'exaggerated'

Shang Properties Inc. announces annual stockholders' meeting

Pryce Corp. announces annual stockholders' meeting

Japan discount chain to carry PH products

Jollibee targets stronger Southeast Asia presence

Expansion costs weigh on Metro Retail Q1 net

BPI prices Sinag bonds; offering to end May 30

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo (left) applies pressure on Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander during the second half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball Western Conference Finals playoff series on May 20, 2025 in Oklahoma City. AP PHOTO

Sports

Gilgeous-Alexander leads Thunder rally past Timberwolves

LOS ANGELES — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 31 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder rallied to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves 114-88 and grab a 1-0 lead in their NBA Western Conference finals series on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila). A confident Minnesota looked in the mood for an upset against the top seeds after leading for most of the first two quarters to take a 48-44 lead into half time. Timberwolves power forward Julius Randle poured in 20 first-half points to rock the Thunder, who struggled to find their shooting touch in front of an expectant home crowd. Oklahoma City came

Veejay Pre makes his 'hardest decision ever,' leaves FEU

Djokovic says 'not in need of a coach' as French Open looms

A new champion will emerge

Don't worry about it – Pacquiao

Gilas Pilipinas eyes friendly in Manila

ROS, TNT clash in battle of red-hot teams in PBA

GenSan hosts 2025 Batang Pinoy

Weightlifting finally gains spotlight in Palaro

New gantry cranes at the Manila South Harbor. ATI PHOTO

Maritime

ATI nets P1.4-B in Q1 on trade surge

By Genivi Verdejo

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Protecting seafarers from modern day slavery

Marina Administrator Sonia Malaluan emphasizes women’s role in global shipping before an audience of stakeholders and cadets during Maersk’s ‘Equal at Sea’ campaign held at the Amosup Comvention Hall. PHOTO FROM MARINA

Maersk launches 'Equal at Sea' campaign

Responsible gaming tops agenda as PCSO holds Agents' Summit

Recounting stories of mothers' love and sacrifices

EAT AND LOVE Nothing beats bonding with family and loved ones over food. PHOTO FROM SM

All she deserves: Unforgettable quality time ideas this #MothersDayAtSM

EXCLUSIVITY AND COMFORT Panglao Oasis, a resort-inspired community by Filinvest Land, is designed for ultimate relaxation and recreation.
Featured in the photo is the Panglao Oasis clubhouse, which boasts an expansive pool and modern amenities, offering a serene retreat within the city. PHOTO FROM FILINVEST DEVELOPMENT CORP.

A growing legacy of making Filipino dreams a reality

RENEWING AGREEMENTS Clark Development Corp. (CDC) President and CEO Agnes Devanadera (second from left) and Vice President for Business Development and Business Enhancement Group Noelle Mina Meneses (leftmost), together with Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Medical Center – Clark Inc. President Monet Briones (third from left) and Chief Operating Officer
Ma. Bernadette Lucia Briones (rightmost), affirm their renewed partnership with a lease agreement signing. PHOTO FROM CDC

Tmt Newswire

CDC expands health care support in Clark

REINFORCING its commitment to accessible health care for workers, residents, and locators in the freeport, Clark Development Corp. (CDC) has recently renewed its lease agreement with Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Medical Center – Clark Inc. The lease renewal supports CDC's ongoing efforts to ensure essential services are integrated into Clark's development, helping create a balanced community that meets both business and health care needs. Mt. Carmel currently operates as a 24-hour primary hospital, providing emergency services, laboratory facilities, pharmacy, ultrasound, X-ray,

Edsa Shangri-La's signature celebration experience returns

Filipino conjoined twins to undergo separation surgery in Saudi Arabia

GSIS kicks off speakers' bureau with PGEA for member education

Gold's Gym x Metcon launches premier Hyrox Training Club in Manila

American Standard celebrates 150 years with innovative hygiene

UP Beta Sigma Fraternity to hold Founding Anniversary Golf Tournament

Billease, Maya partner to offer 'Buy Now, Pay Later'

EastWest Ageas opens three successful agency houses

Turning every step into a stride towards Cervical Cancer elimination

GameZone releases the first GTCC Weekly Leaderboard

DBM, partners put PFM Reforms Roadmap into action

HR leaders to explore 'future of total rewards' in conference

The Mercedes-Benz GLC PHEV in polar white. PHOTOS BY MIKA FERNANDEZ DAVID

Fast Times

Mercedes-Benz PH brings in plug-in variants of iconic models

By Mika Fernandez-David

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SM leads EV charging expansion

Breakdown of companies demanding office space. PRESENTATION FROM COLLIERS

Build & Design

STRUGGLING POST-POGO EXODUS

Czech Republic Holocaust Museum. AP PHOTO/PETR DAVID JOSEK

The 'Schindler factory' becomes a museum

PAUL-EUGENE-ONG

Bayanihan is not Bayani-an

US director, screenwriter and producer Kristen Stewart arrives for the screening of the film "The Chronology of Water" at the 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France, on May 16, 2025. (Photo by Sameer AL-DOUMY / AFP)

'Being a woman is a violent experience,' says Kristen Stewart

By Agence France-Presse - May 21, 2025

PH's Dolly de Leon and Jon Jon Briones join the cast of Netflix's 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' 

Zaijian Jaranilla and Jane Oineza explore grief, love and timing in 'Si Sol at Si Luna'

FDCP signs PH-France cinematic co-production treaty

Scarlett Johansson makes nerve-wracking debut as director

YouTube star educator Ms. Rachel draws ire over Gaza appeals

Glimpses of Marjorie and Dennis in happier times resurface

FILE - Shoppers look at Apple products in the Apple Store at the Walden Galleria in Buffalo, NY, on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

Epic Games says Fortnite back on Apple's US App Store

By Agence France-Presse - May 21, 2025

Magnesium to the rescue

Filipino pharma MedEthix bags two Asia health awards

Italian designer Piccioli named creative director at Balenciaga

Muji Philippines opens largest and first flagship store in Glorietta

Anko opens second store in Alabang Town Center

Zion Philippines goes global: Launches first international branch in Dubai

The Sunday Times Magazine

Matteo Guidicelli — soldier, storyteller, defender

May 18, 2025

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A name rooted in power, but a man defined by his brand of success

Navy Capt. Michael Barrion says can rely more on soldiers who stress-free and financially literate.

A soldier's daughter learns the value of money at 7

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SM Cinema brings magic through 'Movies for the Blind'

For the family, First Class Barbers is more than just a business — it’s a living legacy.

How a retired flight attendant and her family landed their next great chapter

The Manila Times CSI

The National Plastic Action Partnership aims to chart a multi-sector roadmap to scale up innovation, infrastructure, and policy reforms — building on the outcomes of the PH National Recycling Conference to bring flexible plastics back into the value chain. PHOTO COURTESY OF UNDP

Expats & Diplomats

UNDP, partners launch working group to tackle flexible plastic recycling

Stock Watch

Stock indices as of May 20, 2025

The Mercedes-Benz GLC PHEV in polar white. PHOTOS BY MIKA FERNANDEZ DAVID

Fast Times

Mercedes-Benz PH brings in plug-in variants of iconic models

By Mika Fernandez-David - May 20, 2025

New gantry cranes at the Manila South Harbor. ATI PHOTO

Maritime

ATI nets P1.4-B in Q1 on trade surge

By Genivi Verdejo - May 21, 2025

Breakdown of companies demanding office space. PRESENTATION FROM COLLIERS

Build & Design

STRUGGLING POST-POGO EXODUS

By Cora Llamas - May 20, 2025

IMAGES FROM SOUTHEAST ASIA’S GREEN ECONOMY REPORT (6TH ED)

Green Industries

Solutions add $120B to SEA-6 GDP by 2030

By The Manila Times - May 17, 2025

Campus Press

Equitable access to medicines pushed

By Allen Limos - May 19, 2025

Boardroom Watch

Magnanimous leadership

By Angely L. Mercado - May 16, 2025

Agribusiness

Agri-economist urges stronger science-policy interface

By Leander C. Domingo - May 15, 2025