Good day. Here are the top stories for The Manila Times on Sunday, April 20, 2025.
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READ: ICC order limits pre-trial evidence
THE International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued a sweeping procedural order that narrows the scope of evidence and outlines a firm timeline for the confirmation of charges proceedings against former president Rodrigo Duterte, signaling a clear intent to avoid what it called a "mini-trial" before trial.In a 17-page decision dated April 1 7, Pre-Trial Chamber I stressed efficiency and focus, curbing prosecutorial discretion while upholding the rights of both the accused and the victims. The chamber emphasized its goal to streamline the process, discourage procedural sprawl, and avoid undue delays ahead of the Sept. 23 hearing. Duterte, who faces multiple charges of crimes against humanity stemming from his bloody war on drugs, was arrested in Manila on March 11 under an ICC warrant issued four days earlier and was flown to The Hague that same day. Duterte's bloody war on drugs left thousands dead between 2016 and 2022. At the heart of the court's new procedural framework is a sharply limited disclosure regime. Prosecutors must submit only materials deemed "directly relevant" to the charges. These must be grouped thematically — by alleged crimes, contextual factors, or modes of liability — and classified as incriminating, exonerating, or essential for defense under Rule 77. Each item must be accompanied by a disclosure note explaining its relevance. The deadline for this evidentiary filing is July 1.
READ: School opening back to June
THE Department of Education (DepEd) has set the opening of School Year 2025-2026 back to its traditional June to March school schedule, effectively completing the transition from previous years where the school opening began as late as August. In a memorandum order issued on April 15 by Education Secretary Sonny Angara on the multi-year implementing guidelines on the school calendar and activities, the school opening for the next school year is slated to open on June 16, 2025, and is expected to end on March 31, 2026, for a total of 197 school days, including end-of-school-year rites. The schedule is in line with Republic Act 7797 or the act that lengthens the school calendar from 200 days to not more than 220 class days, as amended by Republic Act 1140, which mandated the school opening to start on the first Monday of June but not later than the last day of August. Private schools, Philippine schools overseas, and state and local universities and colleges offering senior high school courses may adopt the multi-year implementing guidelines on the school calendar but must follow the provisions stipulated under RA 7797 and RA 11480 concerning the required number of class days and the opening of the school year. In the implementing guidelines issued alongside the memorandum, the primary learning modality in all schools will remain in-person, unless in-person classes are canceled due to emergencies or hazards.
READ: Fans, celebs pay tribute to Nora Aunor
FANS from all over the country gathered at The Heritage Park on Saturday as public viewing began for the wake of Nora Aunor, the Philippines' beloved "Superstar" and National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts. Many traveled from the provinces to pay their final respects, bringing with them magazines, posters, and other memorabilia of the late icon, whose legacy spans more than five decades in Philippine entertainment. Aunor's casket was draped with the Philippine flag, and an honor guard from the Armed Forces of the Philippines stood watch as a tribute to her stature as a National Artist. The first and second nights on Thursday and Friday were primarily reserved for family, friends and fellow artists. Among the early visitors on Thursday were "Star for All Seasons" Vilma Santos; Jericho Rosales, who is the boyfriend of Aunor's granddaughter Janine Gutierrez; celebrity couple Coco Martin and Julia Montes; Imelda Papin; Sen. Robinhood Padilla; Nadia Montenegro; National Artist Ricky Lee; Gina Alajar; and Melissa Mendez. Bibeth Orteza, Carlos Siguion-Reyna, director Adolf Alix Jr., Jeric Gonzales, Malou Choa Fagar, Kiko Matos, Shyr Valdez and Maritess Gutierrez were also spotted. On Friday, Aunor's ex-husband Christopher de Leon visited the wake. The two were married in 1975 but the marriage was annulled in 1996. Other guests that day included Charo Santos, Derrick Monasterio, Rez Cortez, Ara Mina, Laurice Guillen, Helen Gamboa and Lala Sotto. The public viewing will continue on Sunday, April 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Interment is scheduled for April 22 at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig. Details of the state funeral have yet to be announced.
READ: Easter Sunday: celebration, new beginnings
EASTER Sunday is the day Jesus Christ was resurrected from death. This day marks a momentous occasion as churches will once again be filled with mellifluous hymns after the silence of Black Saturday. Traditionally, the occasion starts with the Salubong, which is a dramatic re-enactment of the meeting between Jesus and His mother, the Virgin Mary. This is celebrated at the dawn of Easter Sunday, before the first Mass. Afterwards, at the Easter Mass, thousands of devotees will flock to the churches wearing white — symbolizing purity and new beginnings. Aside from that, this day is also an opportunity for families to reconnect as they gather for a meal marking the end of fasting and abstinence. Diocese of Kalookan Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David left a powerful reminder, urging Filipinos to confront the harsh realities of violence in today's world and allow their faith to awaken compassion and humanity in their hearts. He reminded the faithful that behind every disturbing image and every covered body lies a call to conscience.This is a reminder that despite Jesus' resurrection, people should not take His goodness for granted but rather be agents of change and continue to do good despite the harshness and devastation that the world faces today. These acts, he said, are signs that the story of salvation continues, written by ordinary people who allow love and mercy to flow through them.
In Business
READ: Ford adjusts some exports to China
Citing the US-China trade conflict, Ford said on Friday it has "adjusted" its exports to the country, where the US auto giant operates manufacturing jointly with local partners. The US auto giant halted Michigan-made shipments of the F-150 Raptor, Mustang and Bronco sport utility vehicles, according to a Wall Street Journal report on Friday. Also affected was the Lincoln Navigator, which is built in Kentucky, the newspaper said. Over the last decade, Ford has sold around 240,000 vehicles in China exported from the United States. But volumes fell sharply in 2024 to around 5,500. The move is the latest ripple effect from an escalating trade war between Beijing and Washington. Despite pulling back on many other tariffs, President Donald Trump has stuck firm to US duties on Chinese goods and raised them to 145 percent. In turn, China has increased tariffs on US exports, including cars, to 125 percent. Overall, Ford sold 442,000 vehicles made in the United States and elsewhere in China in 2024, comprising 1.6 percent of the market, according to the carmaker's latest annual report. The US company operates a number of manufacturing joint ventures in China with Chinese companies, producing vehicles under both the Ford and Lincoln brands. Some of Ford's production in China is exported to other markets. One of these vehicles, the Lincoln Nautilus, is now subject to hefty US tariffs, according to the Wall Street Journal. Ford's Chinese ventures resulted in 2024 operating profits of around $900 million, Ford Vice Chairman John Lawler said this week at a financial conference
Topping Sports
READ: Creamline opens AVC campaign vs Jordan
DENIED of a five-peat after falling to the Petro Gazz Angels at the PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals just a little more than a week ago, the Creamline Cool Smashers seek to bounce back in international play as they start their AVC Women's Champions League campaign at the PhilSports Arena on Easter Sunday. Creamline battles Jordan club Al Naser at 4 p.m. in Pool A that also includes Kazakh champion club Zhettyzu VC, being the first of the three Philippine clubs to hit the taraflex in this international tourney. The PLDT High Speed Hitters follow immediately when they face Australia's Queensland Pirates at 7 p.m. in Pool D. Meanwhile, the Angels kick-start their campaign when they take on Taiwan's Pingtung TaiPower in Pool B on Monday. Coach Sherwin Meneses said that the 10-time PVL champs Cool Smashers are now building up for the next conference and this AVC tournament is the starting point of their preparation.Reinforcing the Cool Smashers this AVC tournament is their three imports bannered by American Erica Staunton, who helped Creamline capture the 2024 PVL Reinforced and Invitational Conference titles, completing a Grand Slam in the process. Kazakhstan club VC Kuanysh teammates Anastassiya Kolomoyets and Anastasiya Kudryashova complete the Creamline reinforcements.
READ: Opinion
In its editorial today, the Times says it is unsafe at any speed a plan by the Department of Transportation to allow old jeepneys to ply their routes again, reversing a clear government policy to phase out the diesel-powered smoke belchers as part of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program. Read the full version on print and digital or listen to the Voice of the Times. Marlen Ronquillo is the featured columnist on the front page. He writes about how old democracy convicts a fund-embezzling presidential frontrunner.
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