Good day. Here are the top stories for The Manila Times on Friday, April 18, 2025.
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READ: China: Asean trade can offset US tariffs
CHINA on Thursday warned that the higher tariffs imposed by the United States in all countries could do wide-ranging damage to the Philippine economy but said regional integration could mitigate the impact of America's pivot to protectionism. Speaking at a closed-door press briefing with select members of the Philippine media held at the Chinese Chancery in South Forbes Park, Makati, Ambassador Huang Xilian cited recent survey data showing that 75 percent of Filipino respondents anticipate negative repercussions from US tariffs on the country's oil and trade sectors. Such measures, he cautioned, could exacerbate economic instability, triggering cascading effects across vital industries — from agriculture to outsourcing. Citing a February 2025 report by the House of Representatives' Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department, Huang noted that the Philippines risks losing up to $1.89 billion in exports due to US protectionist policies. The report highlighted vulnerabilities in key export sectors — from coconut oil to electronics and auto parts — as Washington's trade stance grows increasingly unpredictable. Unlike regional competitors such as Vietnam and Malaysia, which adapted during earlier phases of the US-China trade war, the Philippines' structural trade limitations leave it more exposed to shocks, the report found. His remarks come as Moody's Analytics, Nomura and the Asian Development Bank have all downgraded growth forecasts for the Philippines, citing global instability partly fueled by US tariff hikes as a major concern. Asked how Beijing plans to navigate turbulent trade conditions, Huang pointed to China's commitment to "long-term, regional partnerships" anchored in open trade and mutual benefit.
READ: Two more bodies recovered from ship
Two more bodies were recovered from the capsized MV Hong Hai 16 on Maundy Thursday, bringing the total number of fatalities to four, leaving seven missing, a local official said. Public Information Officer Jack Motril of Rizal town here said the victims were not identified. Search and rescue operations are ongoing for the missing after the Hong Hai 16, with a crew of 25 Filipinos and Chinese, overturned last Tuesday as it was dredging a river in a village in Rizal. Fourteen crew members were rescued. Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan cited the urgent need to intensify the search and rescue operations to save the lives of the remaining missing crew members. On Tuesday afternoon, Coast Guard divers recovered the body of a 22-year-old Filipino crew member from the bridge area of the capsized vessel, which was found upside down and grounded in shallow waters. Surface searches are being conducted by Coast Guard Sub-Station Sablayan personnel, while underwater inspections continue with the help of the Coast Guard Special Operations Group. The PCG's BRP Malabrigo (MRRV 4402), a 44-meter multirole response vessel, is also assisting ongoing operations. Aside from the search and rescue operations, the PCG has also deployed its Marine Environmental Protection Unit and put up 250 meters of oil spill booms around the site where the ship capsized.
READ: Nation mourns Nora Aunor
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. joined the nation in mourning National Artist for Film Nora Aunor, who died on April 16 at the age of 71. The Chief Executive lauded the film icon for her movies which he said "will forever be part of our national heritage" such as "Banaue," "Bona" and "Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos." She also gained local and international accolades for her stellar performances in the iconic movie "Himala," "Thy Womb" and "The Flor Contemplacion Story." Proclaimed a National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts in 2022, Aunor was hailed for her extensive filmography that is "exceeded only by the number of awards and citations she has received from local and international organizations," the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) said. The NCCA announced that state necrological services will be held in honor of Aunor, the acclaimed "Superstar" of Philippine cinema. The NCCA issued its statement early Thursday, expressing "great sadness" over Aunor's passing. News of the actress' death circulated on social media shortly before midnight Wednesday, shocking both the nation and the Philippine entertainment industry. Aunor's passing was first confirmed by her son Ian de Leon through a post on social media, although no cause of death was disclosed as of writing. Viewing for family and friends will be held on April 17, 18 and 21 at The Chapels at Heritage, while the public is welcome to pay their respects to the showbiz idol on April 19 and 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. to midnight. The interment is scheduled for April 22 at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
READ: Inventory of roads, bridges now online
THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) made public on Wednesday a comprehensive online inventory of local roads and bridges across the Philippines, marking a major step toward transparent infrastructure planning and development. The Local Roads and Bridges Inventory (LRBI) — accessible at lrbi.dilg.gov.ph — offers detailed data on the condition and status of provincial, city, municipal and barangay roads, as well as bridges. It serves as a critical resource for national agencies, local government units (LGUs), urban planners and engineers seeking reliable infrastructure data. The LRBI has been included in the Philippine Statistics Authority's System of Designated Statistics, signifying its importance as a core dataset for policymaking and infrastructure planning at both local and national levels. The agency emphasized that the LRBI enables policymakers to make data-driven decisions, particularly when identifying and prioritizing infrastructure projects based on the actual state of roads and bridges in their jurisdictions.
READ: Good Friday: A day of penance, sacrifice
FOR many Filipinos, Good Friday is one of the most solemn and meaningful days of the year as it commemorates the crucifixion and demise of Jesus Christ. It is a time for prayer, reflection and acts of penance. The usually lively hustle and bustle of the streets around the country are gone, at least for a day. Malls and businesses usually close, and television and radio programs shift to religious content. On this day, the entire country halts as Filipinos gather in churches or chapels to commemorate the death of Jesus — a small sacrifice on their part to renew their faith. Many participate in Siete Palabras (Seven Last words), the seven final phrases that Jesus uttered prior to His death. This is often delivered by priests in churches or broadcast on national television. Some churches practice the Senakulo, a traditional Lenten play dramatizing the life and death of Jesus. This is usually performed in town plazas or church grounds for the public to see. One of the most controversial Holy Week traditions is self flagellation or crucifixion by some devotees as an act of penitence. In places like Pampanga and Bulacan, devotees use whips, ropes or other tools to inflict wounds on themselves as they march barefoot, carrying crosses to reenact the crucifixion of Jesus. However, for many Filipinos, this day is less about the spectacle and pageantry of the cultural practices but more about quiet introspection. It is a day when families come together to pray, reflect on their lives and attend liturgical practices. Cardinal Jose Advincula, the archbishop of Manila, said that this day is an opportunity for repentance and restitution for the sins committed by the people.
In Business
READ: BSP seen more dovish amid global uncertainty
MOUNTING risks to economic growth from global trade tensions could prompt the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to implement more policy rate cuts than expected, Capital Economics said. After the BSP's policymaking Monetary Board resumed easing this month via a 25-basis-point cut, Capital Economics said "our view is for 75 bps (basis points) of further easing in 2025, which is more dovish than that of the consensus." Many analysts have penciled in cuts totaling 50 bps this year, possibly as much as 75 bps, amid uncertainties over inflation and economic growth. BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr. has said that further reductions were likely, but would be done in baby steps and probably not during successive Monetary Board policy meetings. Fitch unit BMI Country Risk & Industry Research on Monday, however, said another 25 bps cut could be ordered during the next policy meeting in June. The Monetary Board is scheduled to conduct three more policy meetings after that, in August, October and December. Capital Economics said the downside risks to economic growth had increased on the back of US trade policy, which justifies a shift toward a more "accommodative" monetary policy stance. While US President Donald Trump has announced a 90-day suspension of reciprocal tariffs — the Philippines was slapped a 17-percent duty — the continued implementation of a 10-percent base rate and slower growth in key trade partners such as the US and China could still dampen the country's export performance.
Topping Sports
READ: Herro scores 38 as Heat advance in Play-In Tournament
Tyler Herro and the Heat had it going right from the start. Another performance like that could catapult Miami into the playoffs. Herro scored 38 points, and the Heat dominated the Chicago Bulls, 109-90, on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila) to advance in the Play-In Tournament. Herro scored 23 points as Miami grabbed a 71-47 halftime lead, and the Heat knocked the Bulls out of the play-in for the third year in a row. They play at Atlanta on Friday for a chance to meet top-seeded Cleveland in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Hawks lost to the Orlando Magic on Tuesday. Against Chicago, Herro made his first eight shots and was 13 of 19 in the game. Andrew Wiggins had 20 points and nine rebounds. Bam Adebayo added 15 points and 12 rebounds, and Davion Mitchell chipped in with 15 points and nine assists. The Heat had 10 steals and seven blocks, and it all added up to payback for a three-game sweep in the regular season. Josh Giddey had 25 points and 10 rebounds for Chicago. Coby White scored 17, though he shot 5 of 20. Nikola Vucevic finished with 16 points and 12 rebounds.
READ: Opinion
In its editorial today, the Times talks about preparing for the next pandemic. Read the full version on TMT's digital edition or log on to www.manilatimes.net. Featured columnists are Van Ybiernas and Francisco Tatad. Ybiernas writes about the plague that is about elitist journalism; Tatad asks whether Duterte will be allowed to testify against himself.
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