De La Salle and Ateneo to fight in second round of UAAP volleyball

March 18, 2025 | 6:35 pm

Games on Wednesday
(Filoil EcoOil Centre)
9 a.m. – La Salle vs Ateneo (men)
11 a.m. – La Salle vs Ateneo (women)
3 p.m. – UST vs Adamson (men)
5 p.m. – UST vs Adamson (women)

RED-HOT De La Salle University shores up its drive for a twice-to-beat incentive against its fierce but struggling rival Ateneo de Manila University at the start of the crucial second round of action in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball on Wednesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Game time is at 11 a.m. with the DLSU Lady Spikers (5-2) eyeing their fifth straight win to keep with the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses in a mad scramble for the second seed behind unbeaten and reigning champion National University Lady Bulldogs (7-0).

Santo Tomas (5-2), which saw its five-game winning run end at the hands of NU in a five-set thriller last weekend to end the first round, shoots for the same mission against the free-falling Adamson University (2-5) in the main game at 5 p.m.

Their men’s teams also battle in the pivotal Final Four placing with La Salle (4-3) and Ateneo (4-3) facing off at 9 a.m. followed by the duel between Santo Tomas (4-3) and Adamson (1-6) at 3 p.m.

The spotlight, however, is on La Salle as Santo Tomas still holds the tiebreaker in a share of the No. 2 seed following its big win in the season opener.

“I want to see the maturity of the team in the second round,” said coach Ramil de Jesus, whose squad was quick to recover from a 1-2 start — tied for the school’s worst in almost 20 years — with four straight wins to end the first round.

“We had a good run to end the round but I want to see consistency. We still have some things to polish from the start to the end of the second round. That’s our goal.”

More than its fifth straight win, the Lady Spikers will also be out in the battlefield to keep mastery of the Blue Eagles with 15 straight wins in their rivalry since 2017.

La Salle, which last bowed to Ateneo in the UAAP Season 79 finals, ran away with a 25-15, 25-14, 20-25, 25-19, win over the latter in the first round before sweeping FEU to cap its campaign.

The Blue Eagles, on the other hand, just came off a 20-25, 25-16, 22-25, 25-15, 15-13 win over the University of the East Lady Warriors to snap a three-game losing skid and gain a share of fifth spot with Adamson at 2-5. — John Bryan Ulanday

TNT Tropang Giga and Barangay Ginebra clash in series tone-setter Game 3

March 18, 2025 | 6:34 pm

Game on Wednesday
(PhilSports Arena)
7:30 p.m. – TNT vs Barangay Ginebra (Finals Game 3)
Series tied, 1-1

BOTH TEAMS are putting much premium on defense. So don’t be surprised if protagonists TNT and Barangay Ginebra won’t churn out a shoot-the-lights-out, “pogi basketball” type of match anytime soon.

“Since the start of it, coach Tim (Cone) is saying it’s going to be a defensive series and some games, we just going to have to win ugly,” Ginebra import Justin Brownlee said after the Gin Kings nipped the Tropang Giga, 71-70, to tie the PBA Commissioner’s Cup title series at 1-1.

“I think that (Game 2 squeaker) was a perfect example, a low-scoring game. So yeah, if we want to continue having success in this series, it’s going to be very important we use all our effort on defense and try to I guess make the game ugly.”

The finals opener saw TNT winning, 95-89, blending tough guarding with hot shooting from the three-point line.

But as Ginebra reasserted its defensive might in the Game 2 strike-back, the Tropang Giga brace for more grind-it-out outings not only on Wednesday’s Game 3 but beyond.

The two dispute a pivotal 2-1 upper hand in the best-of-seven contest at 7:30 p.m. at the PhilSports Arena. Game 3, according to Mr. Cone, is going to be the “tone-setter.”

“Obviously, they’re not going to be happy about the Game 2 loss tonight and though we’re happy we won, we’re certainly not satisfied,” he said.

“As well as we played defensively, we still don’t feel we played that well of a game on the offensive side so we feel there’s a lot of improvement. They’re going to improve, we’re going to improve. I think it’s going to be a hell of a game on Game 3 and the rest of the series.”

Going into the tiebreaker, Mr. Brownlee reminded the Gin Kings of the fact that Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and TNT denied them of the title in two previous finals faceoffs.

“We’ve got to stay hungry, especially with the past history. We know how good this team (TNT) is and they’ve beat us before.” — Olmin Leyba

Philippine Football Federation partners with GoTyme Bank

March 18, 2025 | 6:32 pm

THE Philippine Football Federation (PFF) and its new partner GoTyme Bank are laying the groundwork for the staging of a major international competition in September.

To be called the GoTyme Bank Cup 2025, the tournament intends to pit the Philippines against tough rivals during the September window.

Invitations were sent to South Africa, Vietnam, Indonesia and Singapore for the meet, which will serves as a major highlight of the newly-established partnership between the federation and the bank.

In addition to the Cup, GoTyme Bank has pledged financial support to the PFF not only for the men’s and women’s teams but also for grassroots development for the next three years.

The bank will also prepare exclusive merchandise, special events, ticket promos and more beginning with the Pinoy booters’ opening game against Maldives in the third round of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers on Tuesday against Maldives at the New Clark Stadium in Capas.

The partnership was launched in a press conference on Tuesday in Mandaluyong. In attendance were GoTyme Bank Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nate Clarke, co-CEO Abet Tinio, PFF national teams director Freddy Gonzalez, coach Albert Capellas and players Sandro Reyes and Amani Aguinaldo of the men’s team and Kaya Hakwinson of the Filipinas.

“There is an undeniable love for football in the country and it’s only continuing to grow. Our partnership with the PFF allows us to be there for athletes and fans alike. We want to be part of the story of bringing Philippine football onto the global stage,” said Mr. Clarke.

“We both share the goal of bringing football further not only by supporting our national teams but also developing training camps for young kids. This is a shared vision that shows GoTyme Bank is the right partner to help us build the future of Filipino football,” said Mr. Gonzalez. — Olmin Leyba

Hart ties NY Knicks’ triple-double mark in win against Miami Heat

March 18, 2025 | 6:32 pm

JOSH HART tied a franchise record with his eighth triple-double of the season on Monday night for the host New York (NY) Knicks, who overcame a slow start to rout the reeling Miami Heat, 116-95.

Hart finished with 12 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists, matching the mark set by current Knicks broadcaster Walt “Clyde” Frazier in 1968-69.

Karl-Anthony Towns scored 15 unanswered points early in the second quarter as the Knicks erased a 13-point deficit. It was the longest stretch of unanswered points by a New York player since Mike Sweetney scored 12 straight points against the Boston Celtics on Nov. 6, 2004.

Mikal Bridges then made a run at Towns’ mark by scoring nine unanswered points to extend the Knicks’ lead to 64-54. The guard finished with 15 points in the third quarter, during which New York outscored the Heat 41-15 to turn a two-point halftime deficit into an 88-64 lead.

Bridges ended with a game-high 28 points for the Knicks (43-24), who improved to 3-2 since Jalen Brunson was lost indefinitely with a sprained right ankle. Towns finished with 23 points while Miles McBride and Mitchell Robinson had 10 each.

Duncan Robinson had 22 points for the Heat (29-39), who raced out to a 12-0 lead before suffering their eighth straight loss and falling to 4-14 since trading Jimmy Butler. Tyler Herro scored 20 points while Bam Adebayo (12), Davion Mitchell (12) and Kel’el Ware (10) also reached double figures.

The teams were tied four times following Towns’ run before Adebayo’s old-fashioned three-point play put the Heat ahead 42-39. Miami expanded its lead to five points when Robinson opened the second half with a 3-pointer, but the Knicks began their decisive surge when OG Anunoby and McBride hit consecutive 3-pointers to put the hosts ahead for good. — Reuters

New Orleans Pelicans lose by franchise-record-tying 46 pts to visiting Detroit Pistons

March 18, 2025 | 6:31 pm

CADE CUNNINGHAM scored 24 points and the visiting Detroit Pistons never trailed, routing the New Orleans Pelicans 127-81 on Monday night.

Cunningham, who tied his season low with 11 points after being ejected late in the third quarter of a 113-107 loss to visiting Oklahoma City on Saturday, had nine as the Pistons (38-31) opened a 22-point lead after one quarter and remained in command throughout.

Simone Fontecchio scored a season-high 23 points, while Dennis Schroder had 12. Malik Beasley added 11 points and Ronald Holland II contributed 10 for Detroit.

Zion Williamson scored 30 points, including 22 in the second half, and Yves Missi had 12 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Pelicans (18-51), who lost second-leading scorer Trey Murphy III to a shoulder injury early in the first quarter and finished with their lowest point total of the season while tying the franchise record for largest margin of defeat.

New Orleans made just 5-of-32 3-pointers, including 1-of-16 in the first half. CJ McCollum, the team’s third-leading scorer, missed all seven of his shots from beyond the arc and finished 1-of-15 from the floor.

Williamson scored the Pelicans’ first six points as they began the third quarter with a 19-7 spurt to climb within 19 points. Cunningham scored seven points, and the Pistons rebuilt the lead to 88-63 at the end of the third quarter. — Reuters

Mavs’ roster crisis

March 18, 2025 | 6:31 pm

The Mavericks have finally received a heady dose of good news. Evidently, trade deadline acquisition Anthony Davis is now healthy enough to participate in five-on-five scrimmages with the Legends, their G League affiliates. Even though no timetable has been set for his definitive return to action in the National Basketball Association, his recovery from a lingering adductor strain has clearly progressed to the point where it’s a matter of when. And, who knows? They may yet parlay his availability into a strong regular season finish.

To argue that the Mavericks need Davis would be to understate the obvious. They’ve been in a free fall over the last three weeks, with the forced sidelining of key players leading to a woeful 2-10 slate in their last 12 outings. Once deemed a lock for the playoffs, they have been compelled to fight for the last spot in the play-in tournament. And, in this regard, he cannot but be a boon if they’re keen on salvaging what’s left of their snakebitten drive. Under the circumstances, however, the operative word is “if.”

Indeed, the Mavericks have been so affected by a debilitating rash of injuries that they’ve actually thought of punting the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign. Never mind that their controversial decision to trade away erstwhile foundational piece Luka Dončić for Davis was precisely to enhance their competitiveness in the short term. Their roster crisis is nothing short of unprecedented; at some point in their stretch run, they could well run the risk of forfeiting matches due to a lack of warm bodies.

For all the Mavericks’ plans to take one step back in order to ensure that they can move two steps forward, Davis is committed to suit up as soon as he is cleared for active duty. From his vantage point, there is to be no shutting him down for the next season. If nothing else, he is bent on showing fans of the blue and silver that he can — and will — fill in the void left by Dončić. It doesn’t matter if the magnitude of the risk is not justified by the fleetingness of the reward. Notwithstanding the likelihood of their elimination in the play-in (assuming that they even get a slot), he believes in the value of the message he will send by burning rubber.

Needless to say, the Mavericks deserve better than the bum hand they have been dealt. Then again, no small measure of good fortune has invariably been a vital ingredient for success. If it’s any consolation, the bitter taste in their mouth is not one of regret, but of anger. They’ll need to be reminded of it when they aim for vindication this time next year.

Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and human resources management, corporate communications, and business development.

Mars Wrigley’s winning recipe: Driving digital commerce growth on TikTok Shop

March 18, 2025 | 3:00 pm

The company leverages TikTok Shop to drive digital engagement, boost sales, and transform the snacking experience for Filipinos. Strategic promotions, creator-led campaigns, and live shopping propels to the top of the Food & Beverage category on TikTok.

From satisfying cravings for generations to becoming a top choice in digital shopping, Mars Wrigley has transformed how Filipinos enjoy their favorite treats. As a globally recognized confectionery brand, Mars Wrigley has embraced the fast-paced world of e-commerce, turning TikTok Shop into a key driver of consumer engagement and digital sales.

“Mars Wrigley has been bringing smiles for over a century, with five-billion-dollar brands such as M&M’s, Snickers, Extra, Doublemint, and Skittles — making us a household name. Whether it’s a Snickers for an energy boost or M&M’s for movie nights, our treats are part of everyday life. Quality has always been at our core. Guided by our Five Principles, we ensure every bite is just as good as the last because snacking is about more than taste — it’s about sharing moments of happiness,” said Sanjib Bose, Regional Director of Strategy & Digital Commerce, Asia & General Manager, Philippines for Mars Wrigley Asia.

During the 2024 11.11 Paskong Panalo campaign last year, Mars Wrigley secured its place among the Top 5 brands in the Food & Beverage category, driven by strategic promotions, engaging content, and creator-led campaigns. Through the ACE Indicator System — Assortment, Content, and Empowerment — the brand continues to set new benchmarks in digital commerce, proving that the right mix of innovation and engagement can turn every purchase into a moment of excitement.

A Recipe for Growth: Strategic Assortment and Engaging Shopping Experiences

At the heart of Mars Wrigley’s success on TikTok Shop is a well-curated product assortment and strategic campaign execution. The brand capitalized on the power of exclusive promotions by introducing thematic Gift-with-Purchase (GWP) offers, including co-branded 11.11 stickers that encouraged repeat purchases and brand engagement.

By offering bundles, where a five-product package accounted for nearly 60% of the shop’s Gross Merchandise Value (GMV), Mars Wrigley tapped into the consumer behavior of bulk buying, driving a +55% uplift in orders vs the 2024 10.10 sales event. Their investment in the Shop Tab and Search functions also paid off, with a +127% GMV surge from Shop Tab activity and a +110% increase in Search GMV.

“At Mars Wrigley, we have always been committed to creating moments of joy through our well-loved confections. With TikTok Shop, we have elevated this experience by making our products more accessible while transforming the way consumers engage with our brands. By integrating entertainment with shopping, we are driving convenience and creating an interactive and enjoyable way for Filipinos to discover and indulge in their favorite treats,” said Patricia Co, Digital Commerce Lead of Mars Wrigley.

The Power of Content: Livestreaming and Affiliate Marketing

Mars Wrigley ran up to 19 hours of daily livestreaming during peak sales periods, keeping shoppers engaged and informed. Collaborations with top creators, including actress Julia Barretto, further amplified product visibility, resulting in an +18% uplift in self-livestream GMV and a +29% increase in orders.

Affiliate marketing also played a crucial role in Mars Wrigley’s success. By strategically partnering with high-performing TikTok Shop affiliates, the brand achieved a +76% GMV uplift and a remarkable +152% increase in affiliate-driven orders during the 2024 10.10 to 11.11 sales events.

“Live shopping has rapidly gained traction in the Philippines, with more consumers engaging in interactive, real-time shopping experiences. As social commerce continues to evolve, brands that integrate entertainment with e-commerce are seeing higher engagement and conversion rates,” said Franco Aligaen, Marketing Lead of TikTok Shop Philippines. “Mars Wrigley’s success showcases how a strategic approach to live shopping can turn engagement into tangible business growth.”

Expanding Reach: Maximizing Shop Ads and Offline Integration

Beyond digital engagement, Mars Wrigley amplified its presence through strategic advertising and offline activations. The brand optimized its reach with TikTok Shop ads, utilizing broad and retargeting audiences, leading to a +76% uplift in Shop Ads GMV. This translated into a +91% increase in Add to Cart actions and a +73% boost in purchases.

Taking their campaign beyond the app, Mars Wrigley launched a nationwide Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) initiative, featuring exclusive TikTok Shop branding across 12 high-traffic locations. The campaign extended the brand’s digital momentum into the physical world, reinforcing its presence across multiple touchpoints.

A Sweet Future for E-Commerce Success

Mars Wrigley’s remarkable success on TikTok Shop highlights how brands can harness the power of digital commerce to expand their reach and drive sales. Through strategic product assortment and engaging content, the brand has set a benchmark for success in the evolving e-commerce landscape.

As TikTok Shop continues to empower brands through innovative shopping experiences, Mars Wrigley’s case highlights how brands can leverage social commerce to drive sustainable growth.

“As the world evolves, so do we. With more consumers online, we’re making our products even more accessible through digital commerce, including TikTok Shop. Wherever our consumers are, we’ll be there, bringing the joy of snacking. You’ll find us everywhere — from sari-sari stores to supermarkets, even at the highest point of sale in Nepal. No matter where you are, there’s a Mars Wrigley treat nearby, ready to bring joy,” said Sanjib Bose.

For more updates and exclusive deals, visit Mars Wrigley’s official TikTok Shop page.

China renews export registrations for US pork, poultry plants in relief to farmers

March 18, 2025 | 1:07 pm

BEIJING/CHICAGO – Beijing has renewed registrations that allow hundreds of U.S. pork and poultry facilities to export to China, industry groups said on Monday, after lapses threatened shipments to the world’s largest meat importer.

Chinese customs website showed that registrations were renewed until 2030, but those for hundreds of U.S. beef facilities remain listed as “expired”.

The renewals for poultry and pork are a relief to U.S. farmers and meat companies as they navigate trade disputes with major agricultural importers, including China and Canada, under President Donald Trump.

Beijing requires food exporters to register with customs to sell products in China.

Shipments continued to clear customs from facilities with lapsed registrations, but U.S. exporters were unsure how long that would last.

China’s customs website earlier showed registrations for more than 1,000 U.S. meat plants granted by China under the 2020 “Phase 1” trade deal lapsed on Sunday. That was roughly two-thirds of all those registered.

The trade deal ended the previous U.S.-China trade war with a pledge from Beijing to boost its purchases of U.S. goods and services, including meat, by $200 billion over two years. China did not reach the target, which was agreed shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The agency previously said China did not respond to repeated requests to renew plant registrations, potentially violating the Phase 1 agreement.

“We’re pleased to see progress on the pork facilities and hoping for similar news on beef as soon as possible,” said Joe Schuele, spokesman for the U.S. Meat Export Federation.

The non-renewal for beef plants comes amid Beijing’s attempt to rein in beef imports as it grapples with an oversupplied market.

Beijing imposed retaliatory tariffs on some $21 billion worth of American farm goods this month, including 10% duties on U.S. pork, beef and dairy.

In 2024, the U.S. was China’s third-largest meat supplier by volume, trailing Brazil and Argentina and accounting for 9% of China’s total meat imports. U.S. meat shipments to China reached $2.5 billion last year, making it the second largest exporter by value.

Exports of U.S. poultry products have suffered due to outbreaks of bird flu, but China remains an important market, Tyler said.

“We needed that market to stay open and these renewals were very important to that,” he said. — Reuters

Australian bank CEOs say Trump ‘tariff madness’ may drive up global inflation

March 18, 2025 | 1:03 pm

SYDNEY – A trade war sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs may drive up global inflation, stoke market volatility and slow economic growth, the CEOs of two top Australian banks said on Tuesday, but added Australia was insulated from the disruption.

The heads of No. 1 retail lender Commonwealth Bank of Australia and No. 1 business lender National Australia Bank told a conference the new U.S. administration’s protectionist policies would likely strain the global economy in the medium term with higher costs and lack of certainty.

But Australia’s roughly $15 billion a year in exports to the U.S. was small compared to its overall export trade, so the country was better placed than Canada, which sells 85% of its exports to the U.S., the financial leaders added.

“There’s certainly risk to the downside, around slowing global growth,” CBA CEO Matt Comyn told the Australian Financial Review Business Summit in Sydney, adding U.S. tariffs would mean “inefficiencies in trade (and) therefore more inflation”.

CBA had reported a “pronounced uptick” in mortgage applications since the Reserve Bank of Australia cut interest rates last month for the first time since November 2020 to 4.1%, Comyn’s head of retail banking Angus Sullivan told the conference earlier.

NAB CEO Andrew Irvine said the rate cut had been an “exhale of breath” in the economy, but “tariff madness” under Trump may lower the chance of further cuts this year. Currently NAB expects two 25-basis point cuts in 2025.

“We’re not an island,” Irvine told the conference. “If this tariff madness does happen, we could be at the end of (rate) reductions.” — Reuters

Eluvo and Lily of the Valley join forces to transform workplace wellness

March 18, 2025 | 11:00 am

In an era where employee well-being directly impacts business success, award-winning femtech brand Lily of the Valley and all-in-one female healthcare platform Eluvo Health, partner with NEO, and Femtech Association Asia to host a groundbreaking event: “Workplace Wellness Reimagined: Building Bridges to Better Health.” Set for the 18^th of March 2025, this innovative summit will equip business leaders with actionable strategies to create more inclusive, supportive work environments.

“The modern workplace must evolve beyond traditional wellness programs to address the full spectrum of employee health needs,” said Dr. Jaycy Violago-Olivarez, Founder & CEO of Eluvo Health, who will deliver the event’s keynote address. “This isn’t just about improving employee satisfaction — it’s about driving sustainable business performance.”

The Wellness Imperative: A Business Case

Recent research reveals the urgent need for workplace wellness reform:

Companies lose 33% of productivity due to presenteeism – employees physically present but underperforming due to health concerns
45% of women report missing work due to menstrual or menopause symptoms
50% of women experience increased stress levels, resulting in burnout and sleep disruptions
LGBTQIA+ employees in unsupportive environments are three times more likely to experience poor mental health outcomes

These statistics translate to tangible business costs through absenteeism, reduced productivity, and increased turnover.

From Insight to Action

Corporate leaders, HR executives, and wellness professionals will gain valuable insights through a carefully curated program:

Expert-Led Panels: Industry leaders will discuss implementing reproductive health policies, designing inclusive benefits packages, and creating effective stress management initiatives
Interactive Workshops: Hands-on sessions will provide practical tools for immediate workplace implementation
Innovation Showcase: Cutting-edge wellness solutions from leading providers will be demonstrated
Corporate Wellness Pledge: Participating organizations will commit to implementing sustainable wellness initiatives

“At Lily of the Valley, we’ve always believed that empowerment begins with addressing fundamental health needs,” says Camille Escudero, Founder of Lily of the Valley. “This partnership with Eluvo allows us to extend our mission beyond our products and into corporate structures that impact millions of lives daily.”

To learn more about this event, follow Lily of the Valley & Eluvo Health on LinkedIn.

About the Organizers

Lily of the Valley is an award-winning female-led local underwear brand dedicated to comfort, inclusivity, and empowerment. — https://www.mylilyofthevalley.com.

Eluvo Health — all-in-one healthcare provider for women’s health through an integrated digital and physical healthcare system — https://eluvohealth.com.

NEO — the owner, developer, and manager of the Philippines’ top certified green buildings located in the vibrant business and lifestyle district Bonifacio Global City — https://www.neooffice.ph

FemTech Association Asia — the region’s first and largest specialist advisory and industry network for founders, investors, corporates and ecosystem contributors with a core focus on improving women’s health through technology solutions — https://www.femtechassociation.com.

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What is the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 that Trump wants to use in deportations?

March 18, 2025 | 10:43 am

U.S. President Donald Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act in a proclamation made public on Saturday as part of his pledge to deport millions of people who are in the country illegally.

Below is a look at the act and how it has been used in the past.

WHAT IS THE ACT?
The Alien Enemies Act was enacted in 1798 to combat spying and sabotage during tensions with France. It authorizes the president to deport, detain or place restrictions on individuals whose primary allegiance is to a foreign power and who might pose a national security risk in wartime.

The act states it can be invoked “whenever there is a declared war” or “any invasion or predatory incursion” that has been perpetrated, attempted or threatened against the United States by a foreign government.

The act requires the president to publicly proclaim the event that prompted the act to be invoked. The act remains in effect until the president terminates it.

HOW HAS THE ACT BEEN INVOKED?
The law was used in the War of 1812 between the United States and Britain and in both World Wars and was used to detain and deport individuals, as well as restrict their freedom.

President Woodrow Wilson used the act to bar citizens of enemies of the United States from possessing firearms and explosives, residing in certain areas and publishing certain materials, among other restrictions.

President Franklin Roosevelt used the act to justify internment camps for people of Japanese, German and Italian descent during World War Two. President Harry Truman continued to use the act until 1951, after hostilities had ceased in World War Two, according to the Brennan Center for Justice.

HOW DID TRUMP JUSTIFY INVOKING THE ACT
Mr. Trump said the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, which the U.S. government has declared is a foreign terrorist organization, was “conducting irregular warfare and undertaking hostile actions against the United States” with the goal of destabilizing the nation.

He said in the proclamation that the group, which has been linked to kidnapping, extortion, organized crime and contract killings, infiltrated Venezuela’s government.

WHAT HAVE COURTS SAID ABOUT USE OF THE ACT?
Individuals have sued to challenge their detention or removal, but most of the cases have turned on questions of the person’s citizenship.

The act has been upheld as constitutional and the Supreme Court has said it can even be used after wartime.

In 1948, the Supreme Court ruled the government could deport Kurt Ludecke, a former Nazi who fell out with the party, escaped a concentration camp and came to the United States, even though the war with Germany was over. The court said it would have been impractical to deport him while the war was going on.

Some Democratic lawmakers in the U.S. House and Senate reintroduced a bill in January that would repeal the Alien Enemies Act, pointing to its use in the internment of Americans and arguing it violates civil and individual rights.

WHO DECIDES IF THE U.S. HAS BEEN INVADED?
In addition to a declared war, the act can be invoked when there is an “invasion” or “predatory incursion.”

Courts have been asked what constitutes an invasion, although in cases unrelated to the Alien Enemies Act.

California brought a lawsuit against the federal government in the 1990s claiming it was failing to protect the state from an invasion of individuals crossing the southern border illegally.

The court decided that determining what constitutes an invasion was a political question for the other branches of government. The court also said that there was no manageable standard for determining when an influx of individuals rose to the level of an invasion.

Courts have also said an influx of individuals entering the country illegally was likely not considered an invasion based on the writings of the founding fathers, who understood the term to mean armed hostility by another state or foreign country. — Reuters

King Charles praying that visit to see Pope will go ahead

March 18, 2025 | 10:34 am

LONDON – Britain’s King Charles is still hoping to see Pope Francis during a state visit to the Vatican and Italy next month, a Buckingham Palace source said on Tuesday, more than a month after the pontiff went into hospital.

In February, the palace said Charles and his wife Queen Camilla would travel to Rome in April and the couple would meet the 88-year-old pope, but days later Francis was taken to hospital with a severe respiratory infection.

On Sunday, the Vatican released the first image of the pontiff since his February 14 admission, and said Francis was gradually improving, using less mechanical ventilation at night to help with breathing.

The royals’ three-day trip is set to begin on April 7, with the meeting with the pope scheduled for the following day. Royal officials expressed their “hopes and prayers that Pope Francis’ health will enable the visit to go ahead”, sentiments that Charles and Camilla shared, a palace source said.

Charles, 76, who is himself recovering from cancer, meaning his workload needs to be carefully managed, wrote privately to the pope when Francis was taken ill, the source said. The pair met during Charles’ visits to Rome in 2017 and 2019 before he became king.

As British monarch, Charles heads the Church of England which split from the Catholic Church in 1534. A palace spokesperson said his trip would symbolize a significant step forward in relations between the two, as well as marking celebrations for 2025 Catholic Holy Year.

Charles is slated to visit the Papal Basilica of St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, to which English kings had a particular link before the schism from Rome, and the royal couple are also due to visit the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel.

Charles and Camilla’s Italian agenda includes audiences with President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and an address to the joint houses of parliament, in a first for a British monarch.

The visit coincides with the 20th wedding anniversary of Charles and Camilla, who married on April 9, 2005. Their nuptials took place the day after the funeral of Pope John Paul II, which Charles attended as then heir to the throne. — Reuters

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