BALITANG MARINO DAILY NEWS for April 24, 2026
Iran shows off its control over Strait of Hormuz after collapse of peace talks
Trump says Lebanon and Israel agree to extend Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire by 3 weeks
ITF to shipowners: Do not gamble with seafarer lives
Iranian Swarms of Fast Boats Used to Seize Container Ships Add to Shipping Threats
Panama Canal Traffic Up While ACP Downplays Reports of High Auction Prices
DMW: 15 Filipino seafarers safe after Iran seized 2 ships near Hormuz
Drought hits 15 Luzon provinces
Cebu Pacific cancels flights to Dubai until May
Duterte to face ICC trial after judges confirm charges
DOJ vows updates on ‘Zaldy mission’
PH, Indonesia agree on practical defense, border management collab
Easterlies to bring cloudy skies across PH Friday
50% say quality of life worsened in past year – SWS
Shuvee Etrata, Ericca Laude bond with children of Little Ark Foundation
Alexa Ilacad, Gelo Rivera lead ABS-CBN’s first vertical drama ‘The Chambermaid’s Daughter’
Fyang Smith proud of mom’s culinary diploma, hopes to build her a restaurant
Creamline completes redemption, takes down Cignal for 11th PVL crown
Eala scores first doubles win on clay alongside bestie Sonmez
NBA: Thunder roll past Suns, Pistons bounce back to level series with Magic
Steps to Setting Financial Goals
FULL NEWSPAPER
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Iran shows off its control over Strait of Hormuz after collapse of peace talks
WASHINGTON, April 24 —— Iran showed off its tightened grip over the Strait of Hormuz with video of its commandos storming a huge cargo ship, after the collapse of peace talks that Washington had hoped would open the world’s most important shipping corridor.
State television broadcast footage overnight of masked troops pulling up in a grey speedboat alongside the MSC Francesca, climbing a rope ladder to a shell door in the hull, and jumping through, brandishing rifles. The footage, presented with an action-movie-style soundtrack and no commentary, also included views of another ship, the Epaminondas.
Iran showed off its tightened grip over the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday (Apr 23) with video of its commandos storming a huge cargo ship, after the collapse of peace talks that Washington had hoped would open the world’s most important shipping corridor.
State television broadcast footage overnight of masked troops pulling up in a grey speedboat alongside the MSC Francesca, climbing a rope ladder to a shell door in the hull, and jumping through, brandishing rifles. The footage, presented with an action-movie-style soundtrack and no commentary, also included views of another ship, the Epaminondas.
Source: channelnewsasia.com
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Trump says Lebanon and Israel agree to extend Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire by 3 weeks
Washington, April 24 —— President Donald Trump said Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah by three weeks after talks at the White House.
Trump said the meeting between the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors to the United States went “very well.” The meeting was the second high-level negotiation between the two countries since last week. The initial 10-day ceasefire, which took effect last Friday, had been due to expire on Monday. “The United States is going to work with Lebanon in order to help it protect itself from Hezbollah,” Trump said in a social media post. He added that he is looking forward to meeting in person with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun “in the near future..”
Trump greeted Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh Moawad and her Israeli counterpart, Yechiel Leiter, on their arrival. In addition to Trump, the U.S. was represented by Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, State Department Counsellor Michael Needham, Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, and Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa. “We hope that together, under your leadership, we can formalize peace between Israel and Lebanon in the very near future,” Leiter said in the Oval Office. “I want.to really say thank you to the United States, under your leadership, for all your effort to help and to support Lebanon,” Hamadeh told Trump. “And I think with your help, with your support, we can make Lebanon great.”
Aoun said on Wednesday that Hamadeh would put forward an extension of the 10-day ceasefire. She also would ask for an end to Israeli home demolitions in villages and towns occupied by Israel after the latest war broke out on March 2, Aoun said in comments released by his office.
Preparations are being made for wider-reaching negotiations between Lebanon and Israel. The aim of the future talks is to “fully” stop Israeli attacks, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanon, the release of Lebanese prisoners held in Israel, the deployment of Lebanese troops along the border, and the beginning of the reconstruction process, Aoun said.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has called on Lebanon to work with Israel to disarm the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah. “We don’t have any serious disagreements with Lebanon. There are a few minor border disputes that can be solved,” Saar said during Independence Day remarks to Israel’s ambassadors and diplomatic corps, in which he also described the neighboring country as a “failed state.” “The obstacle to peace and normalization between the countries is one: Hezbollah,” he said, adding that Lebanon could have “a future of sovereignty, independence and freedom from the Iranian occupation.”
The latest war started when Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel, two days after Israel and the U.S. launched attacks on Iran. Israel responded with widespread bombardment of Lebanon and a ground invasion in which it captured dozens of towns and villages along the border. Israel’s military currently occupies a buffer zone stretching as much as 10 kilometers (6 miles) into southern Lebanon.
Israel says it aims to remove the threat of short-range rockets and anti-tank missiles being fired toward northern Israel. Hezbollah has rejected the talks. Wafiq Safa, a high-ranking member of the militant group’s political council, told The Associated Press that it will not abide by any agreements made during the direct talks. Despite this, the talks are a major step for two countries with no diplomatic relations that have officially been at war since Israel’s inception in 1948.
The Lebanese government hopes the talks will pave the way to a permanent end to the war. While Iran has set ending the wars in Lebanon and the region as a condition for talks with the U.S., Lebanon insists on representing itself.
Source: mb.com.ph
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MARITIME NEWS
ITF to shipowners: Do not gamble with seafarer lives
April 24 —— The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has strongly condemned a recent wave of attacks and vessel seizures involving civilian shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, urging all parties to immediately stop using commercial vessels as instruments of war.
Within a 24-hour period, three civilian vessels were attacked and two were seized by Iran, while the United States also seized one vessel. ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton said these actions are deliberate and not accidental, warning that commercial shipping has effectively become “a theatre of this war,” with civilian seafarers bearing the consequences.
Cotton stressed that seafarers, many from the Global South, are “key workers” with no role in the conflict and no ability to influence it, yet are being used as “pawns” in geopolitical tensions. He called on shipowners not to risk crews’ lives, stating that no commercial pressure justifies exposing seafarers to such danger, and that no vessel should transit the area without guaranteed safety. “The ITF is sending a clear message to shipowners: do not gamble with seafarers’ lives. No cargo, no contract, no commercial pressure is worth a seafarer’s life. Until there is genuine, guaranteed safety, no vessel should be transiting this war zone with civilian crew aboard,” said the organization in its statement.
The federation has demanded the immediate release of all detained vessels and seafarers, an end to attacks on civilian shipping, and full compliance with international law to protect maritime workers. It also highlighted growing concerns over the mental health impact on stranded seafarers, many of whom remain isolated, uncertain, and unable to return home.
Since the conflict began, the ITF reports receiving around 1,900 requests for assistance from seafarers and their families in the Persian Gulf region. Roughly half concern pay and contractual issues, 20% relate to repatriation, and about 10% involve shortages of essential supplies. So far, 450 seafarers have been repatriated with ITF assistance. “Behind every one of the 1,900 requests we’ve received is a seafarer who is stranded and desperate for help,” Cotton said, adding that these workers have names, families, and rights that must be recognized and protected.
Source: safety4sea.com
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Iranian Swarms of Fast Boats Used to Seize Container Ships Add to Shipping Threats
April 24 —— Iran’s use of a swarm of small, fast boats to seize two container ships near the Strait of Hormuz could undermine suggestions U.S. forces have disabled its naval threat and reveals the challenges facing reopening one of the world’s most important oil export routes.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday acknowledged that while Iran’s conventional navy had been largely destroyed, its “fast-attack ships” had not been considered much of a threat. He said any such vessels coming near a U.S. blockade set up outside the strait would be “immediately ELIMINATED” using the “same system of kill” deployed in the Caribbean and Pacific where U.S. air strikes have hit suspected drug boats and killed at least 110 people.
Those boats were not attacking large, unarmed commercial ships, however, nor nearly as heavily armed, with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards packing heavy machineguns, rocket launchers and, in some cases, anti-ship missiles. Speedboat attacks now form part of a “layered system of threats,” alongside “shore-based missiles, drones, mines and electronic interference to create uncertainty and slow decision-making,” Greek maritime security company Diaplous told Reuters.
Iran was estimated to have hundreds, if not thousands, of these boats before the war, often hidden in coastal tunnels, naval bases or among civilian vessels, according to maritime security specialists. Some 100 or more may have been destroyed since the Iran war began of February 28, said Corey Ranslem, chief executive of maritime security group Dryad Global.
SEAFARERS TAKEN ASHORE
Two container ships seized by Iran near the Strait of Hormuz with about 40 crew aboard have been taken toward the port of Bandar Abbas, sources said on Thursday, Tehran having vowed to retaliate after U.S. forces seized an Iranian vessel three days earlier.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps seized the ships on Wednesday, one operated by MSC, the world’s biggest container shipping group, and according to three sources, the other chartered by the firm. “Some 20 Iranians armed to the teeth stormed the ship. Sailors are under Iranians’ control, their movements on the ship are limited, but the Iranians are treating them well,” a relative of one of the seafarers involved told Reuters. “The ship is anchored nine nautical miles from the Iranian coast. Negotiations between MSC and Iran are ongoing, our sailors are fine,” Montenegro’s minister of maritime affairs, Filip Radulovic, told state broadcaster RTCG.
Four sailors on the MSC Francesca including its captain are from Montenegro, he said. Two Croatians are also aboard, Croatia’s foreign ministry confirmed. Full details on the crew of the Panama-flagged ship have not been made available, but large container vessels normally require a minimum of about 20. MSC has declined to comment.
The Liberia-flagged Epaminondas has a crew of 21 members made up of Ukrainians and Filipinos, according to the Greek coast guard. It had been bound for India. Both crews were reported safe, but authorities in their home countries said they were seeking information about the well-being of the seafarers and working on their release. There has been no information released about what, if any, cargo the ships were carrying.
Both ships had their tracking transponder systems switched off but maritime security sources said shipping data suggested they were near Bandar Abbas.
CHANGE IN TACTICS
Before this week, Iran had relied on missile and drone strikes to hit shipping traffic around the strait, a route which normally handles 20% of the world’s daily oil and liquefied natural gas supply. Those attacks had stopped with the April 8 ceasefire.
The seizure of the two container ships by Iran followed Washington imposing a blockade on Iran’s trade by sea and the start of it intercepting Iran-linked oil tankers and other ships. “The civilian shipping industry is not equipped to prevent Iranian armed forces from seizing vessels,” said Daniel Mueller, a senior analyst at British maritime security company Ambrey. Typically, about a dozen boats are used in a seizure operation, he added.
Iran’s fast boats now serve as the “backbone” of Iran’s naval strategy, able to deploy rapidly as part of its “asymmetrical war against the enemy,” a senior Iranian security official told Reuters. “Because of their very high speeds, these boats can successfully carry out hit-and-run attacks without being detected,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
FAST BOAT LIMITATIONS
Including this week’s seizures, Iran has used small, fast boats at least seven times going back to 2019, Ambrey’s Mueller said. High winds and swells in the waters off Iran during summer make it hard to conduct such operations, said one Iranian shipping source familiar with the waters. “When it is very bumpy, they (armed forces onboard) cannot shoot,” the source said.
They are also ill-equipped to go head to head with a warship, and would likely suffer “very heavy casualties” in any direct assault on one, said Jeremy Binnie, a Middle East specialist at defense intelligence company Janes. “Even if they tried to saturate the ship’s defenses by attacking from multiple directions, they would be extremely vulnerable to the air support that would be called in,” he said.
On paper, guided missile strikes would easily destroy these boats, but shoulder-fired missile launchers would pose a threat to low-flying U.S. aircraft, Binnie said. “It is going to be much harder to eliminate the small boat threat than it was to destroy Iran’s larger naval vessels, which were big targets that were relatively easy to find and track and, at most, only had a limited ability to defend themselves from air attack,” he said. The reality for the shipping sector is further disruption as well as elevated insurance costs.
After the so-called “tanker war” of the 1980s, Iran increasingly used asymmetric tactics as the Iranian navy was effectively destroyed, much as it has been in the current conflict, said Duncan Potts, a director with consultancy Universal Defense and Security Solutions and a former British Royal Navy vice admiral. “When the U.S. Navy and the president say, ‘We’ve destroyed the navy, we’ve sunk a frigate off Sri Lanka’ – you’ve done that before, but you’ve forgotten that your opposition here went asymmetric. And they’ve perfected it.”
Source: marinelink.com
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Panama Canal Traffic Up While ACP Downplays Reports of High Auction Prices
April 24 —— The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) said it is working to handle increased demand since the start of the Iranian war, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and shipping avoiding the Red Sea. While reporting a just under four percent increase in the number of ships transiting the Panama Canal during the first six months of its fiscal year, it, however, also revealed that the average auction price for slots soared 185 percent between March and April.
The ACP confirmed that demand has been strong in recent months, saying the daily average number of transits was 34 in January and rose to 37 in March. It said peak days have recently surpassed 40 transits. It emphasizes that it offers several advance reservation mechanisms, as well as last-minute reservations, with the majority of vessels making the transit with their reservations. However, the ACP also makes available via an auction mechanism between three and five transit slots per day.
During the drought during the first half of the FY in 2023-2024, auction prices had soared, and long waits developed at the canal. In April, the ACP reports the prices are again up, with an average of $385,000 versus between $135,000 and $140,000 in March. Canal officials have sought to downplay media reports of exorbitant prices being paid, but according to data from Argus, the top auction price was $1.7 million for a Panamax slot this month and $4 million for a slot at the Neopanamax locks. The ACP confirmed “some vessels have paid over $1 million at auction,” saying these figures reflect “only temporary conditions driven by high demand.”
ACP reports the largest increase in the number of ships is coming from container vessels and LPG carriers. Overall, it says energy products are playing an increasingly important role in the volumes at the Panama Canal. In the first six months of the FY (October through March), it said the total number of ships was up 3.6 percent, while on a tonnage basis, it reported approximately a 5 percent increase. “The Panama Canal is open and fully operational, thanks to the dedication of some nine thousand Panamanians who keep this waterway running,” said Administrator Ricaurte Vásquez Morales. “Amid all the geopolitical complexities in the world today, the shifts and various factors affecting international trade, the Panama Canal remains open and reliable. With water levels currently at optimal levels, we are accommodating an ever-growing volume of traffic.”
It emphasizes that despite the increased demand, it has been able to keep the waits and queues for transits low. The online dashboard currently shows 24 vessels (20 Panamax and 4 Neopanamax) waiting, with half waiting less than a day. The average wait, however, shows it is up from less than a day to 4.8 days northbound and from under 2 days to 3.8 days southbound. The longest wait currently is 15 days.
One of the major concerns is the water levels after the devastating impact of the last drought. Deputy Administrator Ilya Espino de Marotta, however, said during the briefing that they are monitoring water levels closely and that unusually heavy rainfall during the dry season was keeping the reservoir lakes at maximum levels. They are monitoring for the potential effects of a predicted strong El Niño later this year, and reports have said the plan is to maintain transits at the current levels despite the current increase in demand.
Source: maritime-executive.com
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PHILIPPINE NEWS
DMW: 15 Filipino seafarers safe after Iran seized 2 ships near Hormuz
MANILA, April 24 —— The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) assured that the 15 Filipino seafarers aboard the two vessels seized by Iranian authorities near the Strait of Hormuz remain safe and unharmed.
In an online briefing, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac also assured that the Philippine government has heightened the monitoring of maritime conditions in the Persian Gulf. On Wednesday, the MV Epaminondas and the MSC Francesca were seized by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy in the Strait of Hormuz. “We have a case of two ships, container ships, that have been seized by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. One ship has 10 Filipino seafarers. They’re not fully Filipino-manned ships, but one ship has 10 Filipino seafarers, the Epaminondas, and the second ship, the MSC Francesca, has five Filipino seafarers,” Cacdac said. “So, they are now along the Iranian coastline. The ships have been seized, so they are within the authority of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. We have been assured that all 15 Filipino seafarers are safe, unharmed, safe. And it will be a matter of time for their ships to be cleared.”
Reports said that the Liberia-flagged Epaminondas was reportedly fired upon by an Iranian gunboat, causing heavy damage to its bridge, while the Panama-flagged MSC Francesca sustained damage to its hull and bridge and was forced to drop anchor. The IRGC Naval Command said that both vessels had been seized for “operating without the necessary permits and tampering with navigation systems.” Cacdac said the DMW is now in close coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the manning agencies, and the shipowners, as they await developments on the ships’ status and the possible timeline for their release. He noted that similar incidents in the past have eventually been resolved, expressing hope for a favorable outcome.
The seizure comes as the government continues to monitor thousands of Filipino seafarers operating in and around the Persian Gulf, which is a critical global shipping route that has seen heightened tensions in recent weeks due to the United States-Israel and Iran conflict. Cacdac said authorities are using marine traffic systems to track vessel movements and ensure the safety of Filipino crew members, while maintaining communication with employers and onboard personnel. He also assured that the DMW is in touch with the families of the affected seafarers, providing updates and assurance of government support as coordination efforts continue.
Despite the incident, Cacdac said most Filipino seafarers in the Middle East region remain in safe zones or have successfully exited the Strait of Hormuz, as part of ongoing risk management measures. Cacdac reiterated the DMW’s commitment to safeguard Filipino workers at sea, emphasizing close coordination with international partners and readiness to respond should the situation escalate further.
Source: pna.gov.ph
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Drought hits 15 Luzon provinces
MANILA, Philippines, April 24 —— Fifteen provinces in Luzon are experiencing drought as dry season persists, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said.
PAGASA said that Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Isabela, Kalinga, La Union, Mountain Province, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Pangasinan, Quirino and Tarlac started experiencing the drought. Drought occurs when rainfall events within three consecutive months decreased by 60 percent.
PAGASA said 32 provinces are experiencing dry spell or a decrease of 21 to 60 percent in rainfall events within three months, while 23 others are experiencing dry condition or below normal rainfall within two months. The United Nations has warned that the extreme heat is pushing global food and farming systems to the brink, threatening the livelihood of over a billion people. Rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves have redefined how food is produced worldwide, the UN said.
Source: philstar.com
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Cebu Pacific cancels flights to Dubai until May
MANILA, April 24 —— Cebu Pacific is cancelling all its flights to and from Dubai until May.
In a statement, Cebu Pacific said flights are cancelled until May 31 to ensure the safety of its passengers. The budget airline said affected passengers can rebook for free up to 30 days from the original flight date, store the amount in a travel fund, or get a refund. The airline said it continues to assess its flight operations amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
In March, Cebu Pacific cancelled some flights amid soaring global fuel prices. It noted, however, that it has enough jet fuel for its flights until June. Cebu Pacific said its net income jumped to P12.3 billion in 2025.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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Duterte to face ICC trial after judges confirm charges
MANILA, April 24 —— Former president Rodrigo Duterte will face trial before the International Criminal Court after judges confirmed crimes against humanity charges tied to his war on drugs.
The Hague-based tribunal said its ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I “unanimously confirmed all the charges” against Duterte and “committed him to trial”, based on arguments and evidence presented during 4-day hearings in February. It added that pre-trial judges concluded that “there are substantial grounds to believe that Mr. Duterte is responsible for the crimes against humanity of murder and attempted murder” between November 1, 2011 and March 16, 2019, covering Duterte’s time as Davao City mayor and later as president. “These crimes were committed as part of a widespread and systematic attack against a civilian population,” it added.
The 81-year-old will be the first Asian former head of state to face trial at the ICC, which prosecutes individuals for the world’s worst crimes such as war crimes and crimes against humanity. “Next steps: Upon the transfer of the case to a Trial Chamber, the Trial Chamber will decide on the next steps. Trials at the ICC are fair and impartial, and the Defense will have sufficient time to prepare its case, while respecting the rights of victims,” the ICC said.
In a statement, Duterte’s lead counsel Nicholas Kaufman lamented how the credibility of the witnesses was never assessed at confirmation. “The Pre Trial Chamber found that the crucial word ‘neutralize’, used to define a so-called State or organizational policy, was understood by those involved in the operations to mean to ‘kill’. This is hardly surprising when the whole of the Prosecution’s case, as pasted into the concluding paragraphs of the Pre-Trial Chamber’s decision, is based on the uncorroborated statements of vicious self-confessed murderers acting as cooperating witnesses,” he said. “The credibility of these witnesses was never assessed at confirmation. They will now be excused prosecution and will most likely be rehoused with new identities at considerable cost to the international community funding the activities of the Office of the Prosecutor,” Kaufman added.
He also said that the Defense will prove that the so-called “state policy” is a “complete fiction”. “At trial, the Defense will prove that the aforementioned “State policy” is a complete fiction. The Defense will also show that the evidence of very same criminal witnesses, so gleefully peddled by the former President’s many detractors, has zero weight”,” Kaufman said.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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DOJ vows updates on ‘Zaldy mission’
MANILA, Philippines, April 24 —— The Department of Justice (DOJ) has assured the public that it would report on the progress of its upcoming talks with authorities in the Czech Republic on arranging former congressman Zaldy Co’s release from custody and his return to the Philippines to face corruption charges in connection with the flood control scam.
Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida and Chief State Counsel Dennis Chan, along with officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime, departed yesterday for Prague to “open formal dialogue with our Czech counterparts and to explore all available legal avenues for Co’s return to the Philippines to face the charges pending against him before the Sandiganbayan,” DOJ spokesman Polo Martinez said. “I think the fact that Czech Republic is open to dialog is very telling,” said Martinez.
He emphasized that the Philippine government would “properly respect domestic laws, judicial processes, and data privacy regulations of a sovereign state” such as the Czech Republic, and it may take time to disclose to the public the possible outcome of their discussions. He added the Philippines has no extradition treaty with Czech Republic at present. “We wish to remind the public that while the government is committed to pursuing every legitimate legal remedy, the timeline and modality of Co’s return remain subject to ongoing discussions and the applicable processes under Czech and international law,” he said.
Aside from extradition, Martinez said Philippine and Czech authorities may explore having Co deported to the country, or invoking the United Nations Convention Against Corruption where both countries are signatories. He maintained it would be “not prudent for the Philippines to impose its laws upon a different sovereign nation’s laws.”
Malacañang, meanwhile, is optimistic of seeing Co brought back to the Philippines to face justice. “When we are only talking about the Philippines, definitely, we are confident. SInce there is another country involved, let us hope that Zaldy Co would be brought back immediately to our country,” Palace press officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said at a briefing yesterday. Co, the former head of the House appropriations committee and erstwhile representative of Ako Bicol party-list, is facing an arrest warrant for alleged malversation of public funds and graft over a questionable road dike in Oriental Mindoro worth P289.5 million.
Source: philstar.com
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PH, Indonesia agree on practical defense, border management collab
MANILA, April 24 —— The Philippines and Indonesia agreed to pursue more “practical cooperation” on defense, border management, maritime, and other areas during a high-level bilateral meeting.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, who is currently in Indonesia for a working visit, co-chaired the 8th Philippine-Indonesia Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) with Indonesian Minister for Foreign Affairs Sugiono in Jakarta. “Pleased to have co-chaired the 8th PHL-IDN Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) with Indonesian Minister for Foreign Affairs Sugiono in Jakarta. We agreed on practical cooperation, including on defense, border management, maritime, trade, and legal cooperation,” she said in a post on X.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), meanwhile, has yet to provide details when asked what specific cooperation activities on said areas the two sides are planning to identify. Beyond maritime, Lazaro said she and Sugiono also reaffirmed support for regional solutions on issues confronting Southeast Asia, as well as the Philippines and Indonesia’s “commitment to international law and the paramount importance of diplomacy, dialogue and the peaceful settlement of disputes.”
The two ministers also discussed the progress of registration of Persons of Filipino Descent (PFDs) in Indonesia and further advancing the two states’ people-to-people ties. Indonesia and the Philippines manage their shared maritime border in the Mindanao and Sulawesi regions through the 2014 landmark agreement delineating the boundary between their overlapping exclusive economic zones (EEZs).
Source: pna.gov.ph
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Easterlies to bring cloudy skies across PH Friday
MANILA, April 24 —— The easterlies affecting southern Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao will bring cloudy skies.
In its 4 a.m. weather advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, the Bicol Region, the Visayas, and Mindanao will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.
The rest of Luzon will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms. Meanwhile, Tuguegarao City in Cagayan registered the highest temperature at 37.2°C on April 23.
Source: pna.gov.ph
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50% say quality of life worsened in past year – SWS
MANILA, Philippines, April 24 —— One in every two Filipinos experienced worse quality of life over the past year, the highest since 2021 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the latest survey by Social Weather Stations (SWS).
The survey, conducted from March 24 to 31, found that quality of life of 50 percent of the respondents worsened compared to 12 months ago. It went up by 14 points, from 36 percent in November 2025, and was the highest since the 57 percent obtained in September 2021. Only 23 percent said their lives improved, down from 29 percent, while respondents whose quality of life stayed the same fell from 34 percent to 26 percent.
The latest poll resulted in a “net gainers” score of -26, down from -7 in the November poll. The net gainers score is the rounded off difference of those who said their lives improved from those who said their lives worsened. The March 2026 scored is the lowest in over four years since the “extremely low” -44 in September 2021.
According to SWS, the net gainers score was generally negative until 2015 before improving in the succeeding years. It sharply declined during the COVID-19 lockdowns before recovering to near pre-pandemic levels in June 2023 and the second quarter of 2024. It fell to single-digit levels last year. The net gainers score fell across areas in the latest survey, with lowest among those in Metro Manila and Mindanao (-31, from -12 and +2, respectively), followed by those in the Visayas at -25 (from -14) and rest of Luzon at -23 (from -7). It also dropped among respondents in urban and rural areas, across different age groups and educational attainment.
Source: philstar.com
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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
Shuvee Etrata, Ericca Laude bond with children of Little Ark Foundation
April 24 —— Shuvee Etrata and Sparkle child star Ericca Laude spent a heartfelt afternoon with the kids of the Little Ark Foundation.
On social media, Sparkle GMA Artist Center shared a video from Shuvee and Ericca’s visit, where they bonded with the children over food and dancing. Shuvee also personally received artworks she had acquired in support of the foundation’s initiatives, according to the post.
Little Ark Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to uplifting the lives of disadvantaged children battling cancer, thalassemia, and other critical illnesses.
Last November, Shuvee and Ericca also came together alongside other Kapuso artists to share special moments with pediatric patients at GMA Network’s “Art Gap Gives Back” event.
Shuvee is set to star in the upcoming Kapuso medical drama “Code Gray” with Alden Richards, Andrea Torres, and Faith Da Silva. She stars in the horror film “Huwag Kang Titingin,” which is now showing in cinemas. Meanwhile, Ericca has appeared in several Kapuso series, including “Hating Kapatid” and “Love Before Sunrise.”
Source: gmanetwork.com
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Alexa Ilacad, Gelo Rivera lead ABS-CBN’s first vertical drama ‘The Chambermaid’s Daughter’
MANILA, April 24 —— ABS-CBN Studios is entering the vertical drama space with “The Chambermaid’s Daughter,” a microdrama starring singer-actress Alexa Ilacad and BGYO member Gelo Rivera that will stream on iWant starting April 30. The series marks Ilacad and Rivera’s first project together as a new love team.
The microdrama follows hotel room attendant Hannah Montano (Ilacad), who is often overlooked at work despite her dedication, until she is chosen by Korean executive Daniel Jeon (Rivera) to be his private Tagalog translator.
What begins as a simple side job soon leads to a life-changing turn, pulling Hannah (Alexa) into a world far beyond what she has known. Hannah develops a growing connection with Daniel as she adjusts to her new environment, with both navigating personal histories and expectations tied to their roles as a housekeeper and a business executive.
Directed by Theodore Boborol, “The Chambermaid’s Daughter” also marks ABS-CBN Studios’ move into microdrama, told through short, easy-to-watch episodes designed for quick viewing, as it joins iWant’s growing lineup of vertical dramas.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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Fyang Smith proud of mom’s culinary diploma, hopes to build her a restaurant
April 24 —— Fyang Smith shared that her mother, Myrna Smith, recently achieved an academic milestone. In an interview with Karen Davila in her latest YouTube vlog, the Kapamilya actress revealed that her mother has graduated from culinary school.
“Ngayon napa-graduate na ng daddy ko ‘yung mommy ko ng culinary,” she shared. “Nung sinabi [ni Mommy] po sa akin na, ‘Nak, may diploma na ako,’ feeling ko po iyon ‘yung matagal-tagal na niyang inaasam, na magka-diploma.” Fyang expressed how proud she is of her mother’s achievement. “Sobrang proud na proud ako kay mommy kasi two years po siyang nag-aaral every day,” she remarked. Before pursuing culinary studies, Fyang’s mother worked as an Overseas Filipino Worker.
Sharing her hopes for her mom, the Pinoy Big Brother: Gen 11 Big Winner said: “Ako po kay mommy kasi masarap po siya magluto eh, sobrang sarap niya po magluto, siguro po ‘pag nakaipon po ako ng para kay mommy, papatayuan ko po siya ng restaurant na gusto po niya para magamit naman po niya ‘yung pagka-culinary student niya.”
Meanwhile, Fyang also opened up about her own educational journey, saying she is currently balancing college with her showbiz career. “Nag-aaral pa po ako hanggang ngayon. Ngayon po, ang kinuha ko pong course ay ABM (Accountancy, Business, and Management). Pero gusto ko po [mag-medicine],” she stated. The actress relayed that she dreams of becoming a surgeon someday.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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SPORTS NEWS
Creamline completes redemption, takes down Cignal for 11th PVL crown
MANILA, April 24 —— The Creamline Cool Smashers completed their redemption run in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference. The league’s winningest club added another feat to its loaded trophy shelf, beating Cignal via a two-game sweep in the best-of-three Finals of the tournament at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
The Cool Smashers denied the Super Spikers a breakthrough title in Game 2 with a grueling 25-23, 22-25, 25-16, 16-25, 15-11 win, marking their return to the PVL mountaintop after missing out on the championship round in the past three competitions. The 2026 All-Filipino title was also their first championship trophy since winning the coveted Grand Slam in the 2024 Invitational — also their 11th overall and seventh in the all-Pinoy and Open Conferences. “Siyempre, sobrang saya. Sobrang saya talaga. Kasi parang one year kami talagang hindi naka-finals, tapos ‘yung excitement ng game. Lalo na sa Game 2, nag-five sets, sobrang intense and pressure ‘yung game. So, sobrang saya at nakabalik ‘yung Creamline sa championship,” coach Sherwin Meneses said during the championship presser.
As the match was pushed to the limit, after the Super Spikers forced a deciding period, the Cool Smashers seemed to have lost their momentum after a 16-25 Set 4 loss, and the other side even had a narrow 9-7 advantage in the fifth frame. Thankfully for Creamline, Jia de Guzman was there — not to set, but to score — as she went for a dropball, and Erika Santos afterwards overcooked her attack that allowed the Cool Smashers to knot the game at 9-apiece. It was challenged for a block touch, but was unsuccessful. With a checkball hit, Jema Galanza gave Creamline the edge at 10-9, to the delight of the pink faithful inside the arena. Pangs Panaga though committed an attack error that went out; challenged twice — first, by Creamline, later on by the referees — but to no avail.
Tots Carlos quickly regained the lost point with an off-the-block hit, and Santos’ attack once again went wide. It was challenged for a block touch, but it was Cignal’s turn to be unsuccessful in their contest. Panaga then blocked Vanie Gandler on the net for a 13-10 cushion, but the Ateneo product quickly atoned for it with a kill of her own, making it a 13-11 count. That ultimately turned out to be the Super Spikers’ last point of the match, as Carlos fired a gutsy kill, and mimicking what Panaga did earlier, she blocked Gandler on the net that officially closed out the title series in Creamline’s favor. “Sobrang in the present lang kami. Kung ano lang importante dun sa moment na ‘yun, ‘yun lang ‘yung focus namin,” said Carlos, who produced 18 points, backstopping Bernadeth Pons’ team-high of 22 points.
Pons, who was eventually named Finals MVP — her second for Creamline — added 25 excellent digs and 15 excellent receptions, delivering on both ends of the floor. Jema Galanza was also there for the offense and defense, tallying 12 points, 19 digs, and 16 receptions, while de Guzman was at the center of Creamline’s scoring, registering 31 excellent sets.
Panaga, who later on won her 10th Best Middle Blocker nod, delivered 10 markers, including five kill blocks. On the other side of the taraflex, it was still an impressive run for Cignal, with eventual Conference MVP awardee Gandler leading the way. In Gandler’s final game of the conference, she showed why she was the recipient of the plum, firing a game-high 26 points to go along with 14 digs and 15 receptions. Santos made her presence felt with 21 points, while Tin Tiamzon chipped in 14 markers for the silver medalists. Dawn Catindig, Cignal’s defensive specialist, had 36 digs.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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Eala scores first doubles win on clay alongside bestie Sonmez
April 24 —— MARCHING into the round of 16 of the doubles play at the Mutua Madrid Open are best friends Alex Eala and Zeynep Sonmez after defeating Chan Hao-ching and Fanny Stollar, 6-2, 6-2.
The Filipina-Turkish duo broke away from a 2-2 start to take control, never letting go for the remainder of the match against their Taiwanese and Hungarian opponents. They secured the win in exactly one hour of play. The WTA 1000 Madrid women’s doubles is Eala’s first doubles tournament played on a clay surface.
In the next round, Eala and Sonmez will play the winners of the match between Ukraine’s Lyudmyla Kichenok and USA’s Desirae Krawczyk, and the pair of world No. 2 Katerina Siniakova (Czechia) and Taylor Townsend (USA). Meanwhile, in the singles bracket, Eala is set to face Belgium’s Elise Mertens in the second round after dominating Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova last Wednesday night.
Source: spin.ph
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NBA: Thunder roll past Suns, Pistons bounce back to level series with Magic
April 24 —— Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 37 points to propel the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 120-107 victory over Phoenix and a 2-0 lead in their NBA playoff series, as Detroit topped Orlando to knot their series at 1-1.
Reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers as the defending champion Thunder took a commanding lead in their best-of-seven Western Conference first-round series with another comprehensive victory. “Shai made the right play all night,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. “His floor game was outstanding. He seemed to spray it all over the place, had a great tempo and got us really good shots.”
Chet Holmgren scored 11 of his 19 points in the third quarter, when he also produced three of his four blocked shots. Jalen Williams also scored 19, but the forward — limited to just 33 games in the regular season — exited in the third quarter, the team saying he apparently aggravated a hamstring injury. The Thunder, trying to become the first repeat NBA champions since Golden State in 2017 and 2018, didn’t miss a beat.
They pushed their lead to as many as 26 points early in the fourth quarter and repelled a Suns surge that saw Phoenix cut the deficit to 10 with less than four minutes remaining. “All we can do is play next man up, and we built that muscle throughout the season pretty well,” Gilgeous-Alexander said of the latest injury to Williams. “I’m super confident in this team to be able to go and get the job done no matter who’s out there.”
Gilgeous-Alexander, a finalist for MVP again this season and the newly named Clutch Player of the Year for his performances late in close games, had an injury scare himself in the first quarter. He came up wincing and holding his left hand after a hard fall under the basket but said after the game there was no lasting damage. “I’m great,” he said. “Ready to go.” Dillon Brooks scored 30 points and Devin Booker added 22 for the Suns, who will try to turn things around when they host Games 3 and 4.
In Detroit, the Pistons used dominant defense and a third-quarter scoring spree to beat the Orlando Magic, 98-83. Cade Cunningham scored 27 points and handed out 11 assists and Tobias Harris added 16 points and 11 rebounds for Eastern Conference top seeds Detroit, who were stunned in game one of the best-of-seven series. Clearly stung by that upset on their home floor, the Pistons set an early defensive tone with seven of their 11 blocks in the first quarter, but it was tied 46-46 at halftime.
The Pistons opened the third quarter on an 11-0 scoring run to finally gain some separation and by the time they polished off a 38-16 third period they were in total control. “We knew that first half wasn’t to our standards of playing and we had to really figure out defensively how we were going to impact the game,” Harris said. “I thought we came out with just the type of energy and the type of effort that we needed on the defensive end. And I thought offensively we were able to find the gaps in the defense that we needed to make the right plays.”
The Pistons, who had six players score in double figures, snapped an 11-game home losing streak in the playoffs that dated back to May 2008. Jalen Suggs scored 19 points and Paolo Banchero added 18 for Orlando, but the Magic were held to their lowest points total all season.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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FEATURED ARTICLE
Steps to Setting Financial Goals
A structured approach to goal-setting can ensure you stay on track and make steady progress. It may seem intimidating to take stock of your financial situation and develop a plan to accomplish your goals, but following these easy steps can help you strike the right balance between realistic and rewarding goals.
Assess Your Current Financial Situation
Before setting goals, take a close look at your financial situation. Evaluate your income, expenses, savings, and debt to get a clear picture of how much money you’re bringing in, how much you’re spending, and what you’re spending it on. A thorough assessment will help you set realistic, achievable goals and create a financial plan that aligns with your lifestyle and future aspirations.
Define Your Financial Goals
Think about what you want to accomplish. If you’re fresh out of college and just starting a full-time job, you may prioritize building an emergency fund or paying off your student loans. If you’re a new parent, you may want to start a college fund for your child.
Whatever your goals are, make sure to think about how you’ll actually reach them. Using the SMART goals framework—setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals—can help ensure your objectives are attainable while holding you accountable.
For example, don’t just say, “I want to save more money.” Instead, you should set a specific goal, such as “I will save $30,000 for a down payment on a house in five years by setting aside $500 per month.”
Prioritize Your Goals
Some financial goals are more important than others. For example, building an emergency fund should come before investing in stocks to avoid taking on debt to pay for unexpected expenses.
Similarly, you should consider paying down debt with a high interest rate, especially if your monthly credit card payments become overly burdensome. Rank your goals based on urgency and long-term impact and determine which ones to tackle first.
Creating a Financial Plan
A financial plan helps you manage income, expenses, and savings while staying focused on long-term objectives. It includes several key components, such as budgeting, debt management, and savings.
Budgeting
A strong budget is the foundation of any financial plan—and thankfully, developing one can be simple. “There’s a stigma to budgeting where people think it’s boring and you need to list out every single dollar on a spreadsheet, but it really doesn’t have to be that hard,” says Daniel Milks, the founder of South Carolina-based Woodmark Wealth Management. “There are so many tools online where you can link your bank account or credit card, and they’ll show you roughly how you’re spending your money.”
Budgeting apps to consider include Mint and YNAB, but they’re not for everyone. If you prefer, you can use a budgeting calculator instead.
Many people find it easier to budget when they follow a specific strategy. One popular method is the 50/30/20 rule—allocating 50% of income to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings—but some financial advisors suggest a different approach. “One of the most effective strategies is to pay yourself first,” says Milks. “Before covering any other expenses, set aside money for savings and investments to ensure your future financial security.”
50/30/20 rule
The 50/30/20 rule provides an easy rule of thumb for your monthly budget: 50% of your income should go towards necessary expenses, 30% on wants, and 20% on savings.
Building an Emergency Fund
An emergency fund provides much-needed financial security when the unexpected happens, like losing a job or a medical emergency. Experts recommend saving three to six months’ worth of essential expenses, but Damsky advises that “self-employed individuals or those with irregular income should aim for closer to 12 months of savings.” After determining how much you should save, calculate how much you can save each month and how long it will take to develop your emergency fund. Then, start putting money into an easily accessible savings account.
Debt Management
Smart debt management is key to achieving financial health, and there are many different strategies you can employ. The avalanche method prioritizes high-interest debts first in order to minimize long-term costs, while the snowball method focuses on paying off small debts first to build momentum.
That said, not all debt is bad. “For example, a low-interest mortgage can be a financial tool because it frees up money for smart high-yield investments, while high-interest debt like credit cards should probably be aggressively paid off,” says Damsky.
Implementing and Monitoring Your Plan
Once your financial plan is in place, take steps to make accomplishing your goals easier. You should also consistently monitor and adjust it to align with your evolving financial situation (a new job, for example) and goals.
Automate Savings and Investments
Setting up automatic transfers to savings and investment accounts can help you stick to your goals and prevent the temptation to spend. Contribute regularly to a 401(k), Roth IRA, or high-yield savings account until you make it a habit, which increases your chance of staying on track with your financial goals.
Regularly Review and Adjust Your Goals
Financial situations evolve, so reviewing and adjusting your goals is essential. “Your financial goals aren’t set in stone,” says Milks. “Life changes—like marriage, having children, or switching careers—can impact your financial priorities.” At the very least, you should be reviewing your plan—and adjusting it as necessary—once a year.
Overcoming Common Challengers
Even the best financial plans encounter setbacks, but you can take steps to ensure your plan is as foolproof as possible. Here’s how to address common setbacks with goal-setting:
• Underestimating Expenses: Track spending carefully to avoid financial shortfalls.
• Procrastination: Set calendar reminders for financial check-ins and delegate someone to help hold you accountable.
• Emotional Spending: Establish spending limits to avoid impulse purchases.
• Ignoring Tax Implications: Consult with a financial advisor to maximize tax-efficient savings and investments.
The Bottom Line
Financial goal-setting is an ongoing process that requires planning, discipline, and flexibility. Understand your situation and set clear priorities to develop goals that align with the future you want for yourself and your family. By maintaining a strong budget, building an emergency fund, and making informed investment choices, you can work toward more ambitious goals like a healthy retirement or putting your kids through college.
“The most important step is to start,” says Damsky. “You can always refine your goals, but having a plan and keeping it in motion is what truly matters.”
Source: www.investopedia.com