The All-New 2025 MINI Cooper 5-Door: Bigger, Bolder, and Packed with Surprises!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

MINI Philippines has officially unveiled the all-new MINI Cooper 5-Door, blending the brand's signature driving excitement with enhanced space and functionality. This latest model caters to urban drivers seeking both style and practicality.

Exterior Design

The all-new MINI Cooper 5-Door maintains its iconic design with short overhangs, a compact bonnet, and a long wheelbase. Measuring 4,036 mm in length, 1,744 mm in width, and 1,464 mm in height, it offers a spacious interior without compromising its compact footprint. The vehicle comfortably seats five passengers, with a wheelbase extended by 72 mm and an overall body length increased by 172 mm compared to the 3-Door variant, enhancing passenger comfort and cargo capacity.

The front features a minimalist design with classic round LED headlights and an octagonal front grille, creating a distinctive and modern appearance. At the rear, flush-fitting tail lights and a black handle strip with model lettering emphasize the car's broad stance.

Interior Features

Inside, the all-new MINI Cooper 5-Door offers a blend of tradition and innovation. The dashboard is adorned with high-quality, eco-friendly materials, including knitted recycled polyester surfaces that extend into the door panels. A standout feature is the central OLED display, measuring 240 mm in diameter, which serves as the hub for vehicle functions, controlled via touch or voice commands through the new MINI Operating System 9.

The vehicle introduces seven MINI Experience Modes, allowing drivers to customize the interior ambiance with coordinated projections, ambient lighting, and display designs. The redesigned toggle switch strip includes controls for the parking brake, gear selector, start/stop function, Experience Modes, and volume, enhancing user convenience.

Performance and Handling

The all-new MINI Cooper 5-Door is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The base Cooper variant delivers 161 horsepower, while the Cooper S trim offers an increased output of 201 horsepower. Both models feature a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, providing a dynamic and responsive driving experience. 

The suspension and damping systems are tuned for spirited handling, ensuring a balance between comfort and the precise steering feel characteristic of MINI vehicles. Larger 18-inch wheels with a tire width of 215 mm contribute to improved driving dynamics and a more commanding road presence.

Advanced Technology

The MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant debuts in this model, enabling voice-controlled interaction for navigation, entertainment, and various vehicle functions. Activated by saying "Hey MINI" or pressing the push-to-talk button on the steering wheel, this feature enhances driving convenience and safety.

Pricing and Availability

The all-new MINI Cooper 5-Door is priced at PHP 3,799,000 and is available for viewing at the following MINI Showrooms:

MINI Bonifacio Global City: 38th Street corner 11th Avenue, Triangle Drive, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. Phone: (+63 02) 8539-0299

MINI Alabang Town Center Pop-Up: Corte de las Palmas, Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City. Phone: 0945 157 0949

MINI Pampanga: Levy P. Laus Corporate Centre, Event Centre Blvd., Laus Group Complex, JASA, City of San Fernando, Pampanga. Phone: (+63 45) 497-6464

MINI Cebu: Cebu Veterans Drive, Nivel Hills, Lahug, Cebu City. Phone: (+63) 917-306-6464

For more information, visit the official MINI Philippines website at www.mini.com.ph.

The all-new MINI Cooper 5-Door represents a harmonious blend of classic MINI design and modern enhancements, offering an engaging driving experience tailored to the needs of today's urban motorists.

Political Firestorm! Paolo Duterte Warns Marcos: ‘This Reckless Abuse of Power Will Not End in Their Favor!

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

In a dramatic escalation of political tensions in the Philippines, the House of Representatives has endorsed an impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte. On February 5, 2025, over 215 lawmakers signed the petition, surpassing the required threshold to initiate the impeachment process. The complaint now advances to the Senate, where 23 senators will conduct a trial to determine Vice President Duterte's fate. If convicted, she faces removal from office and a lifetime ban from holding any government position. 

Allegations Leading to Impeachment

The impeachment complaint against Vice President Duterte encompasses a range of serious allegations, including:

Issuing a Death Threat Against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.: In November 2024, Duterte claimed she had contracted an assassin to kill President Marcos, his wife, and the House Speaker if she were to be assassinated. This statement was perceived as a serious threat and led to increased security for the president and an investigation by the justice department. 

Misuse of Confidential Funds: Duterte has been accused of misappropriating over 612.5 million pesos (approximately $14.3 million) of confidential funds during her tenure as education secretary. This allegation has been a focal point in the impeachment proceedings. 

Failure to Oppose Chinese Aggression in the South China Sea: Critics allege that Duterte neglected her duty by not confronting China's assertive actions in the disputed South China Sea, thereby betraying public trust. 

Rep. Paolo Duterte's Fierce Rebuttal

In response to the impeachment move, Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte, the vice president's brother, issued a vehement statement condemning the actions of his fellow lawmakers. He described the impeachment efforts as "desperate and politically motivated," labeling them a "clear act of political persecution." Rep. Duterte specifically accused Iloilo Representative Janette Garin of orchestrating the impeachment campaign, asserting that such "sinister maneuvering" threatens the nation's democratic foundations. 

He further warned the Marcos administration of potential repercussions, stating, "If they were unfazed by the over one million rallying supporters of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, then they are blindly marching toward an even greater storm—one that could shake the very foundation of their rule." This reference harks back to the massive "National Rally for Peace" organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo in January 2025, where over 1.5 million members gathered to oppose the impeachment efforts against Vice President Duterte. 

Political Underpinnings and Implications

The impeachment proceedings underscore a deepening rift between Vice President Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Initially elected as running mates under the UniTeam alliance in 2022, their relationship has soured over time. By mid-2024, Duterte resigned from her position as education secretary, and by September 2024, she publicly stated that she and President Marcos were "not friends" but merely political allies. The discord intensified with Duterte's criticisms of Marcos's leadership, accusing him of incompetence and corruption. 

Despite the friction, President Marcos has publicly dismissed the impeachment efforts as inconsequential, referring to them as "a storm in a teacup" and emphasizing that such political maneuvers do not impact the daily lives of Filipinos. He has also urged lawmakers to refrain from pursuing the impeachment, suggesting that it would be a waste of time. 

Public Mobilization and Support

The impeachment saga has galvanized significant public response. The Iglesia Ni Cristo, a religious organization with considerable political influence, organized the "National Rally for Peace" in January 2025 to demonstrate support for Vice President Duterte and oppose the impeachment proceedings. The rally attracted over 1.5 million participants at Manila's Quirino Grandstand, with simultaneous gatherings across 12 other locations nationwide. 

Looking Ahead

As the impeachment process moves to the Senate, the nation braces for a political showdown that could reshape its leadership landscape. The outcome holds profound implications not only for Vice President Sara Duterte's political future but also for the balance of power and the trajectory of governance in the Philippines. Observers and citizens alike await the Senate trial, recognizing that its proceedings will be pivotal in determining the nation's adherence to democratic principles and the rule of law.

BIR launches 2025 National Tax Campaign with theme “Buwis na Tapat, Tagumpay Nating Lahat

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), under the leadership of Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui, Jr., officially launched its 2025 National Tax Campaign Kick-off on February 4, 2025, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City. With the theme "Buwis na Tapat, Tagumpay Nating Lahat," this year’s campaign underscores the crucial role of taxpayers in funding the country’s economic recovery and development through the timely and correct payment of taxes.

The event also marked the beginning of Tax Awareness Month, a time dedicated to promote tax education and reinforce the importance of responsible tax payment. Throughout the month, the agency will roll out various activities, including seminars, information drives, and stakeholder and media engagements, to further enhance public awareness on taxation.  

The program began with the registration of attendees, followed by an invocation and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. To set the tone for the event, an opening production number was staged, energizing the audience and emphasizing the significance of national unity in achieving fiscal sustainability. An audio-visual presentation (AVP) titled "Tungo sa Matagumpay na 2025" was then shown, highlighting that the BIR has not only reached but exceeded its 2024 emerging collection goal of Php2.848 trillion as approved by the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC).  

Further, The BIR’s digital transformation programs with the launch of the Online Registration and Update System (ORUS) has revolutionized taxpayer registration by making it more convenient for the taxpayer to update their registration information, a total of 470,000 digital TIN IDs were issued in 2024. The Electronic One-Time Transaction (eONETT) System has likewise streamlined the processing of 33,198 Electronic Certificate Authorizing Registration (eCARs) in the same year. These digital advancements reflect the BIR’s commitment to becoming a more efficient, responsive, and service-oriented agency.

One of the event’s key highlights was the unveiling of the 2025 BIR Tax Campaign Jingle and Music Video, which aims to make tax awareness more engaging and accessible to the public. Following this, another AVP titled "Ang Bagong Pilipino at ang Pagbabayad ng Buwis" was presented, emphasizing the role of responsible taxpayers in building a stronger and more progressive nation. 

A panel discussion ensued, featuring experts and BIR officials who tackled pressing tax-related issues and the Bureau’s initiatives to improve tax administration and compliance. Department of Finance (DOF) Undersecretary for the Revenue Operations Group, Atty. Charlito Martin R. Mendoza, then took the stage to read the message of Secretary of Finance Ralph S. Recto, reiterating the administration’s support for BIR’s tax collection efforts and its impact on the country’s economic stability. 

A special performance by The World Champions added vibrancy to the event, just before the much-awaited arrival of the Philippine President. Upon the President’s entry, the BIR Tax Campaign Jingle and Music Video were officially launched through a grand Bump Opening, symbolizing the official commencement of this year’s tax campaign. 

In his message, Commissioner Lumagui expressed his gratitude to all law-abiding taxpayers and reaffirmed the agency’s dedication in improving tax services, curbing tax evasion, and ensuring a fair and transparent tax system. He emphasized that every peso collected contributes to nation-building, helping fund essential public services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.

The significance of this year’s tax campaign was further highlighted by its official logo, which represents the shared responsibility of taxpayers and the government. The heart in the logo symbolizes the taxpayer’s love for the country, demonstrated through their diligent tax payments, while the hand represents their hard work and willingness to contribute to national progress. On the BIR’s part, the heart signifies the agency’s dedication to honest and courteous service, while the hand reflects its duty to collect taxes responsibly to fund government projects. The infrastructure depicted in the logo symbolizes the tangible progress that tax revenues bring to the nation.

BIR Commissioner Lumagui then formally introduced the event’s Guest of Honor, President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., who delivered a keynote speech. In his address, the President lauded the efforts of the BIR in strengthening the country’s revenue generation. He urged all Filipinos to fulfill their tax obligations with honesty and diligence, emphasizing that a fair and efficient tax system is key in sustaining the country’s economic momentum. 

The 2025 BIR National Tax Campaign Kick-off successfully set the stage for the Bureau’s tax collection efforts for the year, rallying public and private sector support towards a culture of voluntary tax compliance. With the launch of its latest campaign, the BIR remains steadfast in its mission to build a stronger and more self-sufficient Philippines.