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Filipino Times
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Filipino Times
Freddie Aguilar, iconic Filipino singer behind ‘Anak,' dies at 72
OPM legend Freddie Aguilar has died at the age of 72. His death was confirmed to NewsWatch Plus on Tuesday, May 27, by Governor Jun Tamayo, president of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), where Aguilar once served as national executive vice president. Days before his death, Aguilar's wife Jovie shared a hopeful message on Facebook alongside a photo taken at the Philippine Heart Center: 'Stay strong, things will get better. It may be stormy now, but it can't rain forever.' Aguilar's daughter Shiaianne also posted an emotional note, saying her father was giving his 'best fight' in what appeared to be a health battle. 'Please focus on getting better… we want you back at your best self,' she wrote. Best known for his timeless hit 'Anak,' Aguilar became a household name in the 1970s for the folk-rock song that resonated with Filipino families. 'Anak' sold 33 million copies worldwide, was translated into 20 languages, and was released in 53 countries. He also made his mark in Philippine history through his stirring rendition of 'Bayan Ko,' which became a rallying cry during the resistance against the Marcos dictatorship. In 2013, Aguilar converted to Islam at age 60 and married then 16-year-old Jovie Albao. Reports indicate that preparations are underway for Aguilar's burial within 24 hours, in line with Islamic tradition.
Filipino Times
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Erwin Tulfo: Duterte impeachment not a ‘teleserye,' vows fair judgment in senate trial
Senator-elect Erwin Tulfo said he is prepared to fulfill his role as an impeachment judge in the upcoming Senate trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, stressing the need for impartiality and evidence-based decision-making. 'This isn't a teleserye. We're talking about removing the second-highest official in the land from office, and possibly barring her from running again. That's not something we take lightly,' Tulfo told NewsWatch Plus in an interview. The incoming senator, who placed fourth in the May 2025 elections, said his background in journalism will help him navigate the proceedings with fairness and objectivity. 'As journalists, we're trained to look at both sides. May nag-aakusa—what's your evidence? The defense—what do they have? You weigh the facts. Ganun din dapat dito,' he said. Tulfo emphasized that any ruling should rely strictly on the merits of the case. 'Kung mali, then so be it. Bahala nang magalit ang iba. But if it lacks merit, then we dismiss it. Why waste time? The public will be watching us closely,' he added. Tulfo's comments reflect a broader call from newly elected senators to uphold fairness and transparency. Senator Bong Go, who topped the senatorial race, said the trial must depend entirely on evidence: 'Kung walang ebidensya, eh 'di wala. Sayang lang 'yung oras kung ipipilit.' Returning Senator Ping Lacson said the House must present strong and credible proof to persuade at least 16 senators to convict Duterte. 'We will be answerable to the Filipino people,' he said. Other senators echoed similar sentiments. Senator Imee Marcos pledged to scrutinize the evidence thoroughly, while Duterte ally Senator Rodante Marcoleta claimed the case was flawed from the beginning. The Senate trial is scheduled to begin on July 30.
Filipino Times
30-01-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Marcos to China: Stop West PH Sea provocations, I'll return US Typhon Missiles
China should stop aggressive behaviors in the West Philippine Sea if it wants the Philippines to return the US Typhon missile deployed in Luzon, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said. The president told reporters in an ambush interview in Cebu City that he does not want to comment on the missile system because China has bigger and more powerful counterparts. 'Let's make a deal with China – stop claiming our territory, stop harassing our fishermen and let them have a living, stop ramming our boats, stop water-cannoning our people, stop firing lasers at us, and stop your aggressive and coercive behavior, and I'll return the Typhon missiles,' he said. 'Tigil nila yung ginagawa nila, ibabalik ko lahat 'yan,' Marcos said. Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said in an interview with NewsWatch Plus that no other country can dictate what the Philippines can or cannot do when it comes to upgrading its military capacities.
