Good day. Here are the stories of The Manila Times for Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
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READ: Senate can protect dela Rosa from ICC'
THE Senate could provide sanctuary to Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa as a matter of institutional courtesy to prevent his arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC), Senate President Francis Escudero said on Monday. The senator said he and Dela Rosa already talked about the latter's wish to seek Senate protection as he faces possible arrest on the strength of an ICC warrant for his alleged involvement in the bloody war on drugs of the previous Duterte administration. Dela Rosa earlier said he hopes Escudero would be able to extend his protection as the ICC, through the International Criminal Police Organization, already arrested former president Rodrigo Duterte, who is now under its custody in The Hague, Netherlands.
READ: OSG recuses itself from tribunal cases
THE Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) has recused itself from representing government officials in cases surrounding the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte. The OSG cited its firm stance that the International Criminal Court (ICC) lacks jurisdiction over the Philippines, a position that has long been the government's official policy. The decision is outlined in a manifestation and motion submitted by the OSG to the Supreme Court on Monday. The move is expected to widen the legal and diplomatic rift over the legitimacy of the ICC's authority and its arrest warrant for Duterte.
READ: SENATE TO PROBE DUTERTE'S DETENTION
THE Senate said Monday it will conduct a probe of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte's arrest and swift handover last week to the International Criminal Court (ICC), which is to try him for alleged crimes against humanity. The 79-year-old, the first Asian former head of state charged by the ICC, stands accused of the crime against humanity of murder over his years-long campaign against drug users and dealers that rights groups have said killed thousands. The probe was initiated by Sen. Imee Marcos, sister of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. but a close friend of Duterte's eldest daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte.
BUSINESS: Political unrest may delay reforms – ING
In Business, political turbulence and economic uncertainty could stall key reforms recently passed by the government, ING said. The Dutch banking and financial services firm said that the recent arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte for alleged crimes against humanity has sparked concerns about its potential impact on the upcoming mid-term elections in the Philippines. It added that while mid-term elections typically do not signify major policy shifts, this development could heighten political uncertainty.
SPORTS: Cool Smashers, Angels look to dominate hungry foes
In Sports, Creamline and Petro Gazz will be gunning to draw first blood when they clash against Chery Tiggo and Zus Coffee in Game 1 of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference best-of-three quarterfinals on Tuesday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City. The 10 time PVL champion Creamline sat at the top of the standings and aims to fend off Chery Tiggo in its first playoff meet at 4 p.m. Chery Tiggo, on the other hand, booked a quarterfinal ticket after topping the Pool B of the standings in the play-in tournament.
READ: Opinion and editorial
Antonio Contreras, Yen Makabenta and Orlando Mercado are today's front page columnists. Contreras talks about Duterte's arrest while Mercado's column is about the end of the Voice of America. Yen Makabenta talks about Bill Gates and the billionaire club souring on climate change and renewables.
Today's editorial is about educating the educators.
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