National Artist Nora Aunor on her first death anniversary

 Today, we remember Superstar and National Artist Nora Aunor on her first death anniversary.

Also known as “Ate Guy,” she was a cultural icon and legend to many for mastering singing, dancing, and acting in theater, on the silver screen, and on the radio. She was also the most celebrated and the most awarded actress in Philippine show business.

She died of acute respiratory failure.

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We can weather this crisis as one nation, with one resolve

By Manila Bulletin

Published Apr 16, 2026 12:02 am | Updated Apr 15, 2026 04:24 pm

The fuel crisis is formidable, no doubt about it. But addressing it is as formidable for lack of concerted effort.

But what if, in the face of this deepening crisis, we choose unity over division, action over accusation, cooperation over conflict? What if, even for a brief moment, we set aside the noise of politics and focus instead on the urgent needs of the Filipino people? We raise these questions as they are necessary reflections in a time that demands not just leadership, but collective resolve.

The ongoing global fuel crisis, brought about by tensions in the Middle East, has rippled through every layer of society. From transport workers struggling to make ends meet, to families tightening already strained budgets, to businesses grappling with rising costs—the burden is shared. And because it is shared, the response must be shared as well. A fragmented approach will not suffice. What we need is a whole-of-society effort grounded in unity and purpose.

What if the House of Representatives, recognizing the urgency of the moment, temporarily sets aside impeachment proceedings and redirects its energy toward fast-tracking legislation that could provide immediate relief? Don’t get us wrong. This is not a call to abandon accountability or disregard constitutional duties. Rather, it is a call to prioritize and to recognize that in times of crisis, the most pressing needs of the people must come first. Governance, at its core, is about service. And service, especially now, requires focus and sacrifice.

What if critics of the administration paused their relentless fault-finding, not to silence dissent, but to channel their insights into constructive solutions? Healthy criticism is the lifeblood of democracy. It sharpens policy, exposes weaknesses, and ensures transparency. But there are moments when criticism must evolve into collaboration. When pointing out problems, these must be matched with proposing remedies. The fuel crisis is one such moment.

Let us be clear. This is not about suppressing voices or discouraging debate. It is about recalibrating our energies. A temporary pause in political hostilities does not weaken democracy; it strengthens it by proving that, when necessary, we can rise above partisanship for the common good. The Filipino spirit has always been defined by resilience and bayanihan, the willingness to help one another in times of need. Now is the time to embody that spirit once more.

Imagine a nation where lawmakers, regardless of affiliation, work hand in hand to pass measures that cushion the impact of rising fuel prices. Imagine private sectors stepping up with innovative solutions, and citizens doing their part through conservation and community support. Imagine a chorus of voices—not in discord, but in harmony—working toward a single goal of weathering this storm together.

The Bible reminds us in Psalm 133:1, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” The message delivers a spiritual ideal and is a practical necessity. Unity fosters strength. It builds trust. It enables swift and decisive action. In contrast, division only deepens the crisis, prolonging the suffering of those who can least afford it.

The road ahead will not be easy. The challenges posed by the fuel crisis are complex and far-reaching. But they are not insurmountable. If we choose unity, if we choose to act not as divided factions but as one Filipino nation, we can overcome. The question is not whether we are capable. The question is whether we are willing.

What if we are?

Then, yes, we can.

Davao City rejects US military facilities

 

By Ivy Tejano

Published Apr 15, 2026 10:47 pm

City & Local Guides

DAVAO CITY – The Davao City government strongly opposed any proposal to construct United States military infrastructure within its jurisdiction, warning that such plans would meet resistance.

In a statement released on Tuesday, April 14, City Information Office head Harvey Lanticse said the local government does not support the establishment of foreign military facilities in the city.

"The City Government of Davao does not welcome and will oppose any plan to build US military facilities within the jurisdiction," Lanticse said.

Davao City's position came amid national discussions on the possible expansion of the US military presence in the Philippines under the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.

Reports said that the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement allows rotational deployment of American forces and the construction of support facilities in approved locations.

At present, nine sites in the country have been designated under the agreement. The Davao Gulf is not included among those locations.

The Davao Gulf has surfaced in recent discussions as a potential site for a large fuel storage facility reportedly backed by the US, prompting the city to reiterate its opposition.

Davao City did not elaborate on specific actions that may be taken should a proposal formally materialize, but maintains opposition to foreign military facilities within the city.

Foreign Exchange Rates | April 16, 2026

 Foreign Exchange Rates | April 16, 2026

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