Philippines Today: Sotto, Elections, BSP, and Everest Tragedy

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines witnessed a flurry of significant events on May 16, 2025. Former Senate President Tito Sotto confirmed discussions about his potential return to the Senate's leadership. "I'd be lying if I said no. Some people have been talking to me," Sotto stated. Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) reported a disappointing 19% turnout for internet voting in the midterm elections. In a separate development, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) announced the temporary suspension of coin deposit machines in several Greater Manila malls for a review of coin recirculation methods. Adding to the day's news, the tragic death of a Filipino mountaineer on Mount Everest cast a shadow. The multifaceted nature of these events provides a rich tapestry for a compelling news report.