2025 elections candidates spent P4-B in ads | The wRap

Today's headlines: 2025 election, Hidilyn Diaz, Lea Salonga

Here are today’s headlines – the latest news in the Philippines and around the world:

• 2025 candidates air P4-B worth of TV, radio ads before October 2024 candidacy filing

Ads worth more than P4 billion already aired on TV and radio across the Philippines even before candidates filed their certificates of candidacy in October 2024.

• Israel set to approve Gaza ceasefire, hostage deal, Netanyahu’s office says

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office says on Friday, January 17, the cabinet will meet to approve a deal with Hamas for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages, set on Sunday, January 19.

• Pope Francis using sling after injuring forearm in fall

Pope Francis injures his right forearm after a fall in his residence on Thursday, January 16, but did not suffer any broken bones.

• Hidilyn Diaz to join Philippine sports icons in PSA Hall of Fame

The Philippine Sportswriters Association or PSA will honor Diaz in its Hall of Fame at the Awards Night in Manila Hotel on January 27.

• Lea Salonga to join ‘Into The Woods’ Philippine cast

Tony Award-winning actress Lea Salonga is taking on the iconic role of The Witch in Theatre Group Asia’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s ‘Into the Woods.’ -Rappler.com