Manila Times

1. Driver involved in NAIA accident charged

   MANILA, Philippines — The driver of the Ford Everest involved in a vehicular incident at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on Sunday was charged before the Pasay City Prosecutor's Office, the Aviation Security Group (AVSEGROUP) of the Philippine National Police said on Monday.

   Aviation police said that a case of reckless imprudence resulting in two counts of homicide, multiple injuries, and damage to property was filed against Leo Gonzales, 47.

   The suspect was detained at the Mobile Patrol Security Unit of the AVSEGROUP in Pasay City after the inquest proceedings.

   A five-year-old girl who was sending off her father and a 28-year-old departing male passenger were killed when the SUV driven by Gonzales crashed into the crowd near the Terminal 1 departure entrance, where passengers and their families were gathered.

2. Koko Pimentel endorses Alyansa bets

   MANILA, Philippines — Former Senate President Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III urged the public to be smart voters and elect into office candidates running under the administration-backed Alyansa Para Sa Pagbabago.

   Pimentel, now running for congressman of Marikina City's first district, said the administration's senatorial slate is made up of experienced and capable leaders who can help President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. pass important laws for the progress of the country.

3. Errant drivers should be held accountable — Marcos

   MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday extended his deepest sympathies to the families who lost loved ones and those who were injured in the recent tragedies at the SCTEX Toll Plaza and NAIA Terminal 1 as he ordered that those responsible should be brought before the bar of justice.

   "Ten lives were lost in a devastating collision in Tarlac. Days later, two more — one of them a child — were taken in a tragic accident at the airport. These incidents should never have happened. And now, we will ensure they never happen again," Marcos said in a video statement posted on his official Facebook account.

   The chief executive said he ordered Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon to "identify and hold accountable those responsible" and "to put in place the necessary reforms to prevent further loss of life."

   These reforms include a review of driver licensing to ensure that only fit, capable, and responsible individuals are allowed on roads; nationwide audit of bus operators, with clear sanctions for those who fail to comply with safety and maintenance standards; and a crackdown by the Department of Labor on unsafe and exploitative practices in the transport sector.

   "We owe it to the victims and their families to act—not only with sympathy, but with resolve. These lives will not be lost in vain. We will make the changes that need to be made. We will demand accountability where it is due. And we will build a transport system that truly protects Filipino people," the President said.

   In this handout photo provided by the Philippine Red Cross, rescuers check the site of a multiple-vehicle collision after a speeding passenger bus slammed into a row of vehicles lined up at a highway toll booth killing about a dozen people in Tarlac City on Thursday May 1, 2025. PHILIPPINE RED CROSS VIA AP

4. Alyansa candidates dominate Pulse Asia poll

   MANILA, Philippines — ONE week before Filipinos cast their votes on May 12, candidates from the administration-backed Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas showed dominance in the latest Pulse Asia survey, confirming the growing wave of support for the Senate slate endorsed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to help push his administration's agenda of unity, reform, and sovereignty.

   The nationwide survey, conducted from April 20 to 24, showed coalition candidates with the highest statistical probability of winning the midterm polls.

   Leading them is ACT-CIS Rep. Erwin Tulfo with 42.4 percent, followed by former Senate president Vicente "Tito" Sotto III (41.1 percent), Sen. Ramon Bong Revilla (35.6 percent), and former Sen. Panfilo "Ping" Lacson (33.8 percent).

   Also making it in the "winning circle" are Sen. Lito Lapid (32.2 percent), Makati Mayor Abby Binay (30.2 percent), Sen. Pia Cayetano (29.9 percent), Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar (28.3 percent), and former Sen. Manny Pacquiao (28.3 percent)

   In the same survey, other Alyansa candidates — former Interior and Local Government Secretary and mayor of Mandaluyong City Benhur Abalos and reelectionist Senator Francis "Tol" Tolentino who is the incumbent Senate Majority Leader — garnered 22.9 percent and 15.7 percent, respectively.

   "This is a people's surge," said Alyansa campaign manager and Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco. "The message is loud and clear: the Filipino people want senators who will defend our sovereignty, uphold public service, and move the country forward under a shared vision for a Bagong Pilipinas."

   Tiangco said the survey results reflect overwhelming support for candidates who have shown conviction, competence and a deep commitment to the country's interests, especially amid growing concerns over foreign interference and disinformation.

   "We are deeply grateful for this trust. But we're not letting up. We're pushing hard in this final week to deliver a clean sweep. With the people's support, we can deliver all 11 Alyansa candidates to the Senate," he said.

   "This is a battle between leaders who put the Philippines first and those who don't. On May 12, letus pick candidates who are for the Philippines," he added.

5. BRP Miguel Malvar sinks ahead of Balikatan drills

   MANILA, Philippines — BRP Miguel Malvar was supposed to have been buried at sea after being hit by missiles during the Balikatan exercises in Zambales on Monday, May 5.

   It would have been a fitting farewell for the decommissioned vessel, which was launched in 1944.

   However, before it could reach the area where it was to be sunk, the ship started taking water, leaving Philippine and US troops without a target in their maritime exercises.

   The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in a statement said BRP Miguel Malvar (PS-19) was being towed to the "sinking" location, some 30 nautical miles west of San Antonio, Zambales when it sunk.

   Lt. Col. John Paul Salgado, Chief Combine Bureau, Exercise Balikatan said that BRP Miguel Malvar was selected for the maritime strike as it already exceeded its life span and could no longer be used.

   Because of its sinking, Philippine and US troops had no option but to rehearse virtual and constructive fire missions.

   The training aimed to integrate ground, maritime, and air-based sensors and shooters into a combined, joint fire network.

6. Pasig mayoral bet vows modern waste facility, flood control project

   MANILA, Philippines — Mayoral candidate Sarah Discaya promised a flood-free Pasig City if she wins as she vowed to focus on building a modern waste facility and flood control project.

   Discaya said it is important for Pasig to have a reliable waste facility with effective proper waste management and sufficient flood control projects to prevent flooding.

   "We no longer want flooding during the rainy season in Pasig to be normal. So with the help of modern waste management and proper flood control systems, every Pasigueño is sure to be safe during times of disaster," she said.

   Sarah Discaya. FAEBOOK/SARAH DISCAYA

   Discaya recalled her experience during Typhoon Ondoy where she was forced to wade through floodwaters to get the money she borrowed to cover her children's needs.

   She said this is why she wants to have a "smart waste facility" and flood control projects because Pasig is a flood-prone area.

   "Severe flooding during the rainy season in Pasig should not happen again. That's why we want a flood control platform with concrete actions, from dredging waterways, improving drainage, and using modern technology to prevent flooding," she added.

   Such programs, she added, would help prevent illnesses commonly caused by flooding, such as leptospirosis.

   "Let's help each other to make Pasig safe, clean, and prepared for the rainy season," Discaya said.

   She earlier said that she plans to establish smart schools and smart hospitals if she is elected mayor.

7. PUV drivers to undergo more frequent drug tests

   MANILA, Philippines — The government will require all public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers to undergo drug testing every three months under a stringent new policy announced Monday by Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon.

   The policy takes effect immediately.

   The sweeping mandate comes after a series of fatal accidents involving drug-positive drivers, including the Solid North bus crash on Labor Day that killed 12 people, six of them children. Dizon revealed that nearly 100 drivers tested positive for drugs during the Holy Week operations alone.

   "Enough is enough," Dizon said. "When you're transporting dozens of lives, there's no room for compromise. Fail the test just once, and you'll never drive a public vehicle again in this country."

   The new policy establishes a nationwide framework for regular narcotics screening coordinated between the Land Transportation Office and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). Under the system, all jeepney, bus, taxi, and UV Express operators must ensure their drivers submit to testing at accredited centers every 90 days, with results directly transmitted to government databases.

   PDEA Deputy Director General Renee Gumabao, present at the announcement, confirmed the deployment of mobile testing units to major transport hubs.

   "We're setting up surprise screening operations at terminals and along key routes," Gumabao said. "This isn't just about checking boxes - we're hunting for impaired drivers before they cause harm."

   The consequences for violations are severe and immediate. Drivers who will test positive face automatic license revocation and permanent disqualification from professional driving. Transport companies employing such drivers will have their franchises suspended for first offenses and revoked for repeated violations.

   Dizon saved particular criticism for operators like Solid North, whose driver initially refused drug testing after the fatal crash.

   "That culture of evasion ends today," he said. "No test means no license - we won't wait for body bags to pile up before acting."

   "To those who think they can keep gambling with passengers' lives - your time is up. We're coming for you," Dizon added.

   The government expects to screen over 800,000 PUV drivers under the new system within its first quarter of implementation, with PDEA projecting at least 5,000 positive cases based on current drug use patterns among transport workers.

8. Comelec en banc cancels Darwin Sia's certificate of candidacy

   MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc has affirmed the cancellation of the certificate of candidacy (CoC) of Darwin Sia, a candidate for councilor in the second district of Manila, for having been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude.

   In an 11-page resolution promulgated on May 5, 2025, the Comelec en banc affirmed the ruling of the poll body's Second Division against Sia.

   Records showed that the respondent was convicted of violating Section 2(a) of Republic Act 7832, otherwise known as the Anti-Pilferage Act of 1994 and was sentenced to pay a fine of P10,000.

   In his defense, Sia argued that he was not convicted by final judgment of illegal use of electricity.

   But the Commission en banc said that after reviewing all the arguments and records, it found no reason to disturb the earlier ruling.

9. Transportation department to overhaul driver licensing system

   MANILA, Philippines — Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon vowed to overhaul the driver licensing system which he described as "dangerously inadequate" to further improve road safety.

   He said that the Department of Transportation will change driver training and testing procedures to emphasize real-world skills rather than rote memorization.

   "A driver's license is not some token you collect after paying a fee," Dizon said in a press briefing Monday. "It's a certification that you can safely operate a vehicle without endangering lives."

   The new testing will include rigorous practical evaluations. Dizon vowed to root out corruption in licensing offices that has allowed unqualified drivers to obtain permits.

   In a move to modernize vehicle safety technology, the DOTr will also implement the use of standardized speedometers sourced from multiple suppliers. This breaks the previous monopoly that critics say led to substandard equipment and potential safety compromises.

   "Other nations solved this basic safety issue years ago," Dizon said. "There's no excuse for our continued delays in adopting these essential technologies."

   Dizon announced the impending changes following the car accident at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Sunday that killed two persons, including a five-year-old girl.

10. Filipino cardinals concelebrate Mass in Rome ahead of conclave

    The three Filipino cardinals -- Luis Antonio Tagle, Jose Advincula of the Archbishop of Manila, and Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan -- who will participate in the upcoming conclave to elect the next pope concelebrated a special Mass for the Filipino community in Rome on Sunday, marking "Collegio Day 2025" at the Pontificio Collegio Filippino.

    The cardinals drew a large crowd to the chapel of the Collegio, home to Filipino clergy studying at Rome's pontifical universities. Their joint presence underscored the significance of the occasion, just days before the start of the conclave on May 7.

    The Mass was led by Bishop Ruperto Santos of Antipolo, a former rector of the Collegio and current chairman of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Episcopal Commission on the Collegio. It was held in honor of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, the patroness of both the Pontificio Collegio Filippino and Filipino migrants.

    Following the Mass, a solemn procession of the image of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage took place, culminating in a festive celebration on the college grounds, reminiscent of Filipino "fiesta" traditions.

    Fr. Gaston said that the convergence of the three cardinal-electors, the conclave, and the Jubilee Year of Hope proclaimed by the late Pope Francis had brought an influx of pilgrims to Rome and heightened spiritual fervor among Filipinos.

    "We join the CBCP's call for the faithful not to campaign but to pray, so that the Holy Spirit may guide the cardinals in their sacred duty," Philippine Ambassador to the Holy See Myla Grace Macahilig said.

    The three cardinals are also expected to concelebrate the ninth and final Mass in the series of "Novemdiales" at St. Peter's Basilica, part of the traditional mourning period for the late pope.