Good day. Here are the stories of The Manila Times for Sunday, March 16, 2025.
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READ: Interim release unlikely for jailed ex-president
FORMER president Rodrigo Duterte is facing significant legal hurdles as he stands trial for alleged crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court (ICC), with experts deeming interim release highly unlikely. Kristina Conti, assistant to counsel at the ICC, said the court has stringent criteria for granting interim release, making it difficult for Duterte to secure temporary freedom while proceedings are ongoing. Duterte is currently detained at the ICC facility in The Hague, Netherlands, following his arrest in connection with the court's ongoing investigation into alleged crimes against humanity linked to his administration's war on drugs. The former Philippine leader has consistently denied the allegations, calling the ICC proceedings politically motivated.
READ: ICC works outside natl legal norms
FORMER International Criminal Court (ICC) judge Raul Pangalangan on Saturday emphasized that the tribunal operates under a unique legal framework that does not always conform to traditional national legal systems. He illustrated this point with an example from former president Rodrigo Duterte's arrival in the Netherlands. He explained that while other passengers were required to have valid visas before being allowed entry, Duterte was granted immediate access under special provisions. The Philippine Embassy, led by Ambassador Ed Malaya, had to make special arrangements to secure visas for Duterte's legal team, the arresting officers, and other members of his entourage.
READ: Marcos: 'Killing thousands of Filipinos not right'
It was not right to kill thousands of Filipinos to eradicate illegal drugs in the country, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Tuesday, the same day former president Rodrigo Duterte faces crimes against humanity charges before the International Criminal Court (ICC). In his speech during the campaign rally of the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial slate in Tacloban City, Marcos stressed that a peaceful and orderly situation in the Philippines could be achieved through effective lawmaking and not by killing thousands of Filipinos.
READ: AFP subsistence allowance raised
In other news, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has increased the subsistence allowance for officers and enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Malacañang said Saturday. Under Executive Order (EO) 84, signed by the president on March 14, the subsistence allowance will retroactively increase from 150 to 350 pesos on Jan. 1, 2025.
READ: PNP reports 1,615 gun ban violations so far
THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has reported a staggering 1,615 gun ban violations as part of its election monitoring efforts, according to data from the National Election Monitoring Action Center. The accumulated report, covering the period from Jan. 12 to March 13, highlights intensified law enforcement operations aimed at ensuring a peaceful and orderly election season. Authorities have conducted extensive checkpoints, police responses, anti-illegal drug operations and gun buy-busts, leading to the confiscation of 1,677 firearms, including 1,529 small arms, 43 light weapons and 40 explosive devices.Additionally, 7,218 rounds of ammunition have been seized. These operations are part of a broader initiative to curb illegal firearms circulation and prevent their potential use in election-related violence. A total of 1,662 individuals have been arrested in connection with these violations. The majority of those apprehended were civilians (1,588), followed by security guards (31), military-affiliated personnel and nine foreigners. Authorities have also confirmed that 150 individuals were arrested at Commission on Elections checkpoints, where 143 firearms were confiscated.
BUSINESS: PH economy likely to do well despite political noise
In business, the Philippine economy will likely continue to perform well this year despite the political noise, geopolitical risks and tariff wars, an economist said. Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort told the Philippine News Agency on Friday that so far, the impact of former president Rodrigo Duterte's arrest on the Philippine economy is still minimal. He said the country's strong economic fundamentals remain intact, as one of the fastest-growing economies amid favorable demographics.
SPORTS: TNT eyes 2-0 series lead vs Ginebra
Over to sports, TNT shoots for a 2-0 series lead when it battles Barangay Ginebra in Game 2 of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup Finals on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. The Tropang Giga and the Gin Kings face off at 7:30 p.m. The charges of coach Chot Reyes dropped 14 triples and played solid defense throughout Game 1 on the way to a 95-89 win.
READ: Opinion and editorial
Marlen Ronquillo is today's front page columnist, giving his own insights on the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
Today's editorial looks at some issues in the telecommunications sector. Read more on the paper's opinion section or listen to the Voice of the Times.
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