Context Dispatch

Myanmar reported that the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck its second-largest city, Mandalay, on Friday killed at least 144 people and injured 732 more. A 6.4 magnitude aftershock also caused further damage to buildings and infrastructure. Myanmar's ruling junta welcomed international assistance to help hasten recovery from the disaster. In neighboring Thailand, a state of emergency was declared, and Bangkok was designated as a disaster area. Thai authorities confirmed that eight people were killed by the earthquake, with one of the most horrifying images being the collapse of a high-rise building still under construction.

Senator Imee Marcos’ fence-sitting appears to be undermining her re-election bid. The latest Stratbase-Social Weather Station survey, conducted from March 15-20, showed her support has dropped to 19 percent, down from 24 percent in February and 28 percent in January. Following the release of the survey results, Senator Marcos announced her withdrawal from the alliance supported by her brother, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., citing her disagreement with his administration's decision to allow the ICC to arrest former President Rodrigo Duterte. The poll was conducted just days after Duterte was arrested and flown to The Hague to face charges of crimes against humanity.

GT Capital Holdings Inc. reported a consolidated net income of P28.8 billion for the full year 2024, slightly lower than P29.3 billion in the previous year.  However, excluding non-recurring gains from lot sales and incentives under the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) program, GT Capital's core net income grew by 11 percent, driven by the record-breaking earnings of its key operating subsidiaries.

House Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan (2nd right) and 1-Rider Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez (left), members of the 11-man House prosecution panel in the impeachment case of Vice President Sara Duterte lead the filing of entry of appearance with a motion to issue summons at the Senate on Tuesday (March 25, 2025). Also in photo are Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. (center), House Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega V of La Union (right) and House Assistant Majority Leader Jay Khonghun of Zambales (2nd left).

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed Henry Rhoel R. Aguda, former president and chief executive officer of UnionDigital Bank, as the new secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). He replaces Ivan John Uy, who resigned earlier this month.Aguda previously served as the Digital Infrastructure Lead at the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), a council created by President Marcos to assist his administration in fostering innovative synergies between the private and public sectors. Aguda's experience spans the banking, technology and telecommunications sectors. Before joining UnionDigital Bank, he served as the board chairman of both City Savings Bank and UBX Philippines. He is a graduate of the University of the Philippines, graduating with cum laude honors in both his Juris Doctor and Bachelor of Science in Mathematics degrees.