The Philippine Star - October 21, 2024

In this issue

October 21, 2024

Coast Guard going on heightened alert for Undas

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will be on heightened alert starting Oct. 31 as part of security preparations for All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.

1 min

Despite imports, rice retail price still high – group

Despite being the world's biggest rice importer, with at least 3.29 million metric tons imported, retail prices of the staple in the country remain high, rice watchdog group Bantay Bigas has bewailed.

2 mins

Labor leaders joining forces vs reelectionists, political dynasties

Five labor leaders eyeing Senate seats are joining forces for a stronger challenge against reelectionists and those belonging to political dynasties in next year's elections.

2 mins

LPA outside PAR to turn into typhoon

The low-pressure area (LPA) outside the Philippine area of responsibility will develop into a typhoon and was expected to enter PAR yesterday or early today, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

2 mins

House quad comm invites Duterte to drug war probe

Koko to lead Blue Ribbon inquiry - Chiz

6 mins

Sara needs psychological assessment – lawmakers

The \"disturbing and childish\" temper and arrogance displayed by Vice President Sara Duterte during her two-hour press conference last week perhaps signal a need for her to undergo psychological tests, administration lawmakers suggested yesterday.

4 mins

Gov't asked to account for undocumented OFWs in Lebanon

The government is being urged to account for the thousands of undocumented overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in conflict-stricken Lebanon and other countries in the Middle East.

1 min

Go inspects super health center in Negros

In line with ongoing efforts to bring essential services closer to the grassroots, Sen. Bong Go visited Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental on Saturday to inspect the site for a new Super Health Center and extend assistance to the town's indigent residents.

1 min

Pinay, 23, wins UN award

A 23-year-old Filipina won the United Nations' Women's International Network for Disaster Risk Reduction Rising Star award during the recent Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Pasay City.

1 min

Career Program by SM Offices and National University bridges academia and industry

As a key initiative for SM Offices to not only drive professional growth but also support tenant partners, SM Prime's SM Offices Business Unit recently held a career fair in partnership with the National University (NU) on Oct. 16 and 18 at the NU Fairview and NU Baliwag campuses, respectively.

2 mins

DFA, agencies' MOU to combat spurious passport applications

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with various government agencies to strengthen cooperation in combating fraudulent passport applications.

1 min

NPC urged to work on lowering electricity costs

The National Power Corp (NPC) should work to reduce the universal charge for missionary electrification (UCME) subsidy to possibly bring down electricity rates for consumers connected to the main transmission grid, according to Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian.

1 min

Intelligence work a vanguard against smuggling'

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto recently highlighted the importance of intelligence work in government, calling it a \"vanguard\" against smuggling and other criminal activities.

1 min

BBM signs proclamation expanding West Cebu Industrial Park

President Marcos has expanded the West Cebu Industrial Park by designating several parcels of land in Balamban, Cebu for inclusion into the special economic zone.

1 min

Policy-making labor sector enters mainstream politics

The country's labor force will benefit from representation by party-list organizations vying for seats in Congress with their pro-labor advocacies, according to Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino.

1 min

5,753 teachers pass DepEd exam for school principals

Over 5,000 teachers nationwide are now qualified to become school principals after passing the Department of Education (DepEd)-administered examination for school heads.

1 min

DOST approves P935-M funding for 88 R&D projects

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has approved the allocation of P935,262,000 to fund 88 industrial and emerging technology research and development projects next year.

1 min

Transport group not seeking P15 fare hike

Despite rising fuel prices, transport group Stop and Go Coalition is not keen on pursuing its petition for a P15 minimum fare increase.

1 min

Taguig wins awards for revenue growth

Taguig City has received awards for its proficiency in managing business and real property taxes.

1 min

Comply with DTI rules, vape manufacturers urged

A health advocacy group has called on vape manufacturers and stakeholders to ensure compliance with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)'s registration requirements and in paying duties and taxes.

1 min

PNP: No sacred cows in Barayuga murder probe

There will be no sacred cows in the Philippine National Police's investigation into the murder of former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) board secretary Wesley Barayuga, a PNP official said yesterday.

1 min

Face the inquiry

Amid the explosive revelations that have come out of the hearings at the House of Representatives, former president Rodrigo Duterte has finally expressed readiness to face the four committees conducting a joint inquiry into his crackdown on illegal drugs, if he is invited. So the quad committee is formally inviting him. Duterte can then expound on his denial of the existence of a quota and reward system in the Philippine National Police for killing drug suspects, as certain retired and active PNP officers have testified before the quad comm.

1 min

"'Drag me to hell'

That was a riveting press conference by the bratinella last Friday. Some takeaways: Vice President Sara Duterte is truly her father's daughter.

4 mins

"You-made"

I came across an interview of the late former US president Ronald Reagan where he said, \"People look to the government to solve their problems, but the problem is the government is the problem.\"

4 mins

Battle lines drawn

COMMONSENSE - Long before she decided to run for mayor in Naga City, former vice president Leni Robredo has been seeking advice \"in politics in general and options she was considering\" from her fellow Bicolano political leader Senate president Francis \"Chiz\" Escudero.

4 mins

Is Biden really ready to stand up for Gaza's children?

With Israel clamping down on food shipments to the Gaza Strip, the Biden administration is finally warning Israel to ease up or risk a suspension of some military aid.

1 min

Healthy MSMEs mean a healthy economy

GO NEGOSYO PILIPINAS

4 mins

Dynasty

QWERTYMAN - “Mama, papa, I wanna be a congressman!”

4 mins

Minor phreatic eruption logged at Taal Volcano

A minor phreatic eruption was recorded at Taal Volcano in Batangas yesterday, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

1 min

Calabarzon CIDG chiefs named

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre has replaced the heads of CIDG regional and provincial offices in Calabarzon.

1 min

Speaker leads 80th Leyte Landing commemoration

Speaker Martin Romualdez cited the importance of solidarity among nations in attaining peace during the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Leyte Landing yesterday.

1 min

BBM signs 8 laws creating more court branches

President Marcos has signed into law eight measures creating additional court branches in various parts of the country.

1 min

Minor phreatic eruption logged at Taal Volcano

A minor phreatic eruption was recorded at Taal Volcano in Batangas yesterday, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

1 min

Speaker leads 80th Leyte Landing commemoration

Speaker Martin Romualdez cited the importance of solidarity among nations in attaining peace during the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Leyte Landing yesterday.

1 min

Ex-general Prabowo takes office as Indonesia president

JAKARTA (AFP) – Former general Prabowo Subianto was sworn in yesterday as president of Indonesia, seeking a more prominent position on the global stage for the world's fourth most populous nation.

1 min

Harris turns 60 but prefers to talk about Trump's age

ATLANTA (AFP) - Kamala Harris turned 60 on Sunday in the final stretch of a knife-edge election battle with 78-year-old Donald Trump, who is now the oldest presidential candidate in US history.

1 min

Netanyahu says Hezbollah tried to kill him

JERUSALEM AFP) Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday accused Iran-backed Hezbollah of trying to assassinate him, with the Middle East already on edge after Israel had vowed retaliation for an Iranian missile barrage.

1 min

Harris turns 60 but prefers to talk about Trump's age

ATLANTA (AFP)-Kamala Harris turned 60 on Sunday in the final stretch of a knife-edge election battle with 78-year-old Donald Trump, who is now the oldest presidential candidate in US history.

1 min

Zayn Malik postpones US tour after Payne's death

LOS ANGELES (AP) – English singer Zayn Malik (in photo) on Saturday postponed a planned tour to the US following the death of his former One Direction bandmate Liam Payne.

1 min

7 dead in Georgia as ferry dock collapses

At least seven people were killed after part of a boat dock collapsed, sending at least 20 people into the Atlantic waters off the coast of the US state of Georgia.

1 min

Hurricane set to hit Cuba amid nat'l blackout

HAVANA (AFP) - A hurricane was bearing down on Cuba Sunday as the island nation's authorities scrambled to restore power following a massive nationwide outage.

1 min

Musk giving $1 M daily to signatory of his petition

HARRISBURG (Reuters) - Billionaire Elon Musk promised on Oct. 19 to give away $1 million each day until November's election to someone who signs his online petition supporting the US Constitution.

1 min

KINGS-TROPA REMATCH SEALED

Make way for TNT versus Barangay Ginebra: Round 2.

2 mins

Tigresses ground Eagles; Lady Warriors triumph

Santo Tomas extended its unbeaten campaign in the second round of the 2024 Shakey's Super League Collegiate Pre-Season Championship with a 25-11, 25-20, 25-17 clipping of Ateneo yesterday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

1 min

Jaraula eyes 2nd straight PGT title in Marapara

After clinching a thrilling one-stroke victory at the ICTSI Bacolod Golf Challenge, Reymond Jaraula is raring to get going, eyeing a second straight crown at the ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic that fires off tomorrow.

1 min

Always grateful

PASSI CITY, Iloilo – Just six months ago, I was either dead or dying in the hospital, undergoing heart surgery to keep me alive.

1 min

"Don't leave tennis,' Djokovic tells Nadal

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AFP) – Novak Djokovic implored long-time adversary Rafael Nadal to put off his planned retirement after defeating the Spaniard Saturday in what was likely to be the final chapter of their \"amazing rivalry.\"

1 min

Yankees back in World Series after 15 years

CLEVELAND (AP) – Juan Soto hit a three-run homer with two outs in the 10th inning and the New York Yankees advanced to their 41st World Series – and first in 15 years – by beating the Cleveland Guardians 5-2 in Game 5 of the AL Championship Series on Saturday night.

1 min

BOP surplus nears 4-year high

The country's balance of payments (BOP) position remained in a surplus for the third straight month and hit an almost four-year high of $3.5 billion in September on the back of net income from investments abroad.

1 min

Over 100 RE projects face termination - DOE

At least 105 renewable energy (RE) projects could be terminated due to non-compliance with project timelines, according to the Department of Energy (DOE).

2 mins

Dollar makes a U-turn

Just when the market thought the US dollar would break down, it reversed. The critical catalyst was Iran's direct attack on Israel. The US dollar index (DXY) rebounded sharply from multi-month lows following Iran's unprecedented missile attack on Israel on Oct. 1, 2024. This caught financial markets off guard, triggering a flight to safety. The dollar's strength was further bolstered by strong US jobs numbers and recent presidential surveys showing Trump overtaking Harris.

3 mins

D&L secures new LEED Gold O&M certification

D&L Industries Inc., the country's leading specialty food ingredients and oleochemicals producer, has reinforced further its sustainability push after securing another LEED Gold certification.

1 min

Stocks to move upward on bargain hunting

Stocks are expected to move with an upward bias this week as investors hunt for bargains and seek out fresh leads.

1 min

Unprecedented water stress

As if the problems arising from wars and pandemics are not worrisome enough, we now have to live with the growing fear that the world is also running out of water. Even though about 71 percent of the Earth's surface is water-covered, and the oceans hold about 96.5 percent of all Earth's water, the water we need to grow our food and sustain life is in short supply in more and more places.

4 mins

23 projects added to PPP pipeline

The government has added 23 projects to its public-private partnership (PPP) pipeline, expanding the total to 173 projects worth P3.17 trillion.

1 min

Megaworld eyes P3.5 B sales from Pampanga condo dev't

Property giant Megaworld Corp. of tycoon Andrew Tan expects to generate sales of around P3.5 billion from its new residential condominium project in Pampanga.

1 min

Nickel miners expect output recovery next year

The country's nickel output may rebound next year on the back of higher demand for the metal, coupled by better weather conditions as well as improved policy environment with the anticipated legislation of the rationalized mining fiscal regime.

1 min

First Gen, General Milling renew green energy pact

Lopez-led First Gen Corp. has renewed its renewable energy (RE) supply deal with General Milling Corp. (GMC), extending a long-standing partnership that began in 2016.

1 min

SOUTHEAST ASIA'S BIGGEST ART MARKETS: SAME-SAME but DIFFERENT

Welcome to the Indonesian edition of that tantalizing creature, the Southeast Asian art fair. Art Jakarta has chosen for itself an October date - getting a jump ahead of Singapore (in January) and Manila (a month later.)

3 mins

THE TALENT OF TES PASOLA WENT FAR BEYOND PAPER

My first encounter with Tes Pasola was at a CITEM exhibit in the late '90s. It was also my first time seeing something so bold and grand in the field of local design.

2 mins

A place where you're bound to bump into friends

Friday, Oct. 4, was a classic case of serendipity. That day, I was invited to cut the ribbon for the “One Town, One Product (OTOP) Food Fair” of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) at Glorietta Center. While I was going around the activity center with my daughter Gabbie, I bumped into long-time friend Keren Pascual as he sampled the various foods.

4 mins

LIAM PAYNE SHARES ONE DIRECTION SONG THAT 'MAKES YOU REALLY HAPPY AND ALIVE' IN OLD STAR INTERVIEW

Back in March 2012, The STAR had the opportunity to interview the late One Direction member Liam Payne on behalf of the British band, which also included Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Zayne Malik.

4 mins

CHILD ACTOR EUWENN MIKAELL WOWS VETERANS EULA VALDES, MICHAEL DE MESA

SEASONED ACTORS CAN EASILY SPOT TALENTS. THEY KNOW when a neophyte, regardless of age, has the potential to pursue a career in acting. They can also sense if one is in the zone or just winging it.

3 mins

Miss World Phl 2024 Krishnah Gravidez pursues music career

Miss World Philippines 2024 Krishnah Gravidez assured her fans that she has ample time to prepare for her upcoming international competition amid her studies and music career. She recently signed with Universal Records Philippines as one of its new recording artists.

3 mins

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The Philippine STAR is the flagship title of the country's largest and most successful print media enterprise, the Philstar Media Group. Owned and published by Philstar Daily Inc., The Philippine STAR is a vaunted pillar of Philippine journalism whose integrity is anchored on the Biblical motto, “Truth Shall Prevail”. The Philippine STAR is a two-time winner of the prestigious Newspaper of the Year award given by the Rotary Club of Manila.