The Philippine Star - October 23, 2024

In this issue

October 23, 2024

Bato: Rody to attend first Senate hearing

After begging off from the quad committee hearing yesterday at the House of Representatives on extrajudicial killings during his administration, former president Rodrigo Duterte has committed to attend the first Senate hearing on the same issue on Monday.

6 mins

Self-rated hunger, poverty, down in Q3 – OCTA

Self-rated poverty and hunger went down in the third quarter, based on an OCTA Research group survey.

1 min

Sara to take psych exam if lawmakers do the same

By all means, Vice President Sara Duterte said she would undergo a psychiatric test as some critics have suggested in the wake of her \"Drag Me to Hell\" press briefing - but only if reelectionist members of the House of Representatives would agree to do the same.

4 mins

VP Sara crossed the line, says BBM son

Vice President Sara Duterte \"crossed the line.\"

4 mins

Outstanding PCG units feted

President Marcos yesterday reaffirmed his commitment to upgrade the capabilities of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) as he feted its outstanding personnel and units, including vessels that were recently harassed by Chinese ships in the West Philippine Sea.

6 mins

DILG wants number of PNP generals trimmed from 133 to 25

As part of his efforts to reform the Philippine National Police, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla wants to trim down the number of PNP generals from 133 to just 25.

1 min

Kristine gains strength, to hit northern Luzon

Tropical Storm Kristine was forecast to strengthen before it makes landfall over Northern Luzon tonight or early tomorrow morning, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

6 mins

Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge (BCIB) and FAB Transhipment Hub

In preparation for the transformative progress expected from the upcoming construction and completion of the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge (BCIB), AFAB is laying the groundwork to ensure that FAB remains at the forefront of economic and logistical advancements.

1 min

Strategic Infrastructure and Innovations for Future Progress

Recognizing the prime and inherent strengths of its location, the AFAB is driven to reimage the FAB by its New Vision – a Freeport that is globally competitive and is a dynamic investment hub for diverse industries that would ensure sustainable employment by 2028.

1 min

Economic Impact

The FAB has been a cornerstone of economic development, significantly contributing to both the local and national economy.

1 min

FREEPORT AREA OF BATAAN, THE PHILIPPINES' PREMIER ECONOMIC ZONE

This October, the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) commemorates the 55th founding anniversary of the first and forerunner of economic zones in the country-the then Bataan Export Processing Zone (BEPZ), known today as the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB).

1 min

38 election hotspots monitored

Thirty-eight possible election hotspots, most of which are in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, are being monitored by the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

2 mins

Media Representatives Engage in Interactive Online Purchase at Iskaparate.com's Press Launch

Iskaparate.com core team, industry partners, and media representatives in commemorative photograph, making a significant milestone platform.

1 min

Comelec running after online troll farms

Aside from TikTok, candidates in the coming May 2025 elections can also no longer employ troll farms to boost their candidacy.

2 mins

Gov't, class suspensions on Oct. 31

Malacañang has suspended work in government offices and classes in all levels nationwide from 12 p.m. onwards on Oct. 31 to provide state employees full opportunity to properly observe All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.

1 min

AFP: No wristwatch-giving tradition during PMA graduation

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) clarified yesterday that there is no \"tradition\" wherein cadets of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) may ask for the President's wristwatch as a graduation gift.

1 min

Pasig RTC allows Quiboloy, co-accused to face Senate probe

The Pasig Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 159 has granted the request of the Senate committee on women, children, family relations and gender equality to allow Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy and his co-accused to attend a Senate hearing today.

1 min

Sara cites need to reskill, upskill Filipino workers

There is a need to upskill and reskill Filipino workers to help them adapt to the rapidly changing technological and business landscape, according to Vice President Sara Duterte.

1 min

Advocating for the Best of Philippine Arts and Crafts

Senator Loren Legarda's pivotal role in the National Arts & Crafts Fair

5 mins

Kill culture

All the horrific stories coming out of the congressional investigations point to two basic and intractable problems in our country: disregard for human life, and corruption.

4 mins

Election e-fraud

EDITORIAL - It's good to hear the Commission on Elections banning the use of troll farms for the May 2025 midterm polls. Such troll farms have been used by certain candidates in recent elections to malign their rivals and influence public opinion. Whether the Comelec can enforce the ban effectively, however, remains to be seen.

1 min

‘Dengvexation’ – toddlers and tablets

I’d like to think that I coined the word “Dengvexation,” where I put together the term Dengvaxia and vexation, as in “unjust vexation.” What else can we call the fact that the legally unresolved Dengvaxia controversy that started in 2017 has dragged on for seven years, cost litigants millions of pesos in legal fees and personal time and has effectively caused “unjust vexation” for all parties concerned, even the judges who were tasked to hear the cases.

4 mins

There is no leadership without risk

There has never been a more difficult time to lead anything - whether a publicly traded corporation or a nonprofit nongovernmental organization; whether a global university or a local, public school or classroom.

4 mins

'Land of Bad'

COMMONSENSE - We are saddened by the reported kidnapping of an American national in a coastal village in Sibuco town, Zamboanga del Norte last week.

4 mins

Iran's terror proxies and why the Ayatollah is untouchable

THE CORNER ORACLE

4 mins

2 public hospitals in Manila at full capacity

With two public hospitals in Manila reaching full capacity, residents are advised to go to other health facilities for medical assistance.

1 min

Baggage delays hit NAIA travelers

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport has suffered its first major setback since the NAIA was turned over to a private operator as travelers reported reaching their destinations without their check-in luggage.

1 min

PDEA: Drug-affected barangays mostly in MM, 2 other regions

Most of the drug-affected barangays are in Metro Manila and two other regions, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency reported on Monday.

1 min

Fire hits Manila hospital's stock room

A fire hit a storage room of the Mary Chiles General Hospital and Maternity in Sampaloc, Manila yesterday.

1 min

17 OFWs back from Lebanon

Seventeen more overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) returned home yesterday from Lebanon, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration said.

1 min

PNP: Chinese suspect in hotpot shooting an 'undesirable alien'

The Chinese suspect in a shooting at a hotpot restaurant in Makati that killed a fellow Chinese national has been classified by the Philippine National Police (PNP) as an \"undesirable alien.\"

1 min

PNP: Chinese suspect in hotpot shooting an 'undesirable alien'

The Chinese suspect in a shooting at a hotpot restaurant in Makati that killed a fellow Chinese national has been classified by the Philippine National Police (PNP) as an \"undesirable alien.\"

1 min

BI to deport blacklisted Malaysian

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is set to deport a blacklisted Malaysian who managed to reenter the Philippines.

1 min

PCG to deploy unmanned vessel in Mindanao

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will deploy an unmanned surveillance ship in Celebes and Sulu Seas to monitor illegal activities in Mindanao.

1 min

Ilocos workers get P33 daily pay hike

Minimum wage earners and domestic workers in Ilocos region will receive higher pay starting Nov. 7, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced on Monday.

1 min

Negros clash triggers class suspension

BACOLOD CITY – Classes in four remote villages in Calatrava, Negros Occidental were suspended yesterday due to an encounter between Army soldiers and remnants of the New People's Army.

1 min

Reward offered for info on kidnapped American

A reward of P150,000 has been offered in exchange for information leading to the rescue of American vlogger Elliot Onil Eastman, who was seized in Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte last week.

2 mins

China launches live-fire drill near Taiwan

BEIJING (AFP) - China's military began a livefire exercise near Taiwan yesterday, maintaining pressure on the self-ruled island after staging largescale drills and President Xi Jinping called for troops to prepare for war.

1 min

Sokor mulls supplying arms to Ukraine to counter NoKor

SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea may consider directly supplying weapons to Ukraine as part of measures to counter military ties between North Korea and Russia, officials said on yesterday, after accusing Pyongyang of sending troops to fight for Russia in Ukraine.

1 min

Tributes paid to surfer killed by swordfish in Indonesia

JAKARTA (AFP)-Tributes have been paid to an Italian surfer after she was stabbed in the chest by a swordfish and died off the western coast of Indonesia.

1 min

Harris, Trump push for every vote

As race enters final 2 weeks

1 min

Hurricane leaves 6 dead in Cuba as blackout eases

HAVANA (AFP) - Hurricane Oscar left six people dead after hitting Cuba over the weekend during a major power blackout, authorities said yesterday, as electricity was restored to most of the capital.

1 min

Blinken arrives in Israel to revive ceasefire talks

TEL AVIV (AP) - US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (in photo) arrived in Israel yesterday on his 11th visit to the region since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war.

1 min

Harvey Weinstein diagnosed with bone marrow cancer

LOS ANGELES (AFP) - Disgraced Hollywood movie producer Harvey Weinstein has been diagnosed with a form of bone marrow cancer, US media reported on Monday, a month after he was indicted on a new sex crime charge.

1 min

Wealthy Israelis offer rewards for release of Gaza hostages

JERUSALEM (AFP) – Frustrated with the dwindling prospect of reaching a ceasefire deal in the year-long Gaza war, some Israeli entrepreneurs have sought a different avenue to release hostages – offering a financial reward for those who choose to free them.

1 min

Israeli army: Hezbollah finance chief killed in Syria

JERUSALEM (AFP) - The Israeli army on Oct. 21 said that the latest commander responsible for funding the Lebanese Hezbollah group was \"eliminated\" in Syria.

1 min

Hezbollah hides cash, gold under Beirut hospital, says Israel

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Hezbollah has stashed hundreds of millions of dollars in cash and gold in a bunker built under a hospital in Beirut, Israel's military said on Oct. 21, adding it will not strike the facility as it keeps up attacks against the group's financial assets.

1 min

Toxicology tests show Payne had 'multiple' drugs in system

LOS ANGELES (AFP) – Pop star Liam Payne had multiple drugs including crack cocaine and methamphetamine in his system when he fell to his death from a hotel balcony in Argentina, according to initial toxicology reports cited by US media on Monday.

1 min

King Charles caps Aussie trip with Opera House bash

SYDNEY (AFP) - King Charles III greeted throngs of admirers under the sails of the Sydney Opera House yesterday, the public finale to his first major foreign sojourn since falling sick with cancer.

1 min

VITAL ROLES FOR KEY RECRUITS

It's their first PBA finals and the likes of TNT's Rey Nambatac and Barangay Ginebra's Stephen Holt are intent on seizing the day and wrapping it in gold.

2 mins

Biñan, S. Cotabato in do-or-die tiff

Biñan Tatak Gel and South Cotabato dispute the last semifinal slot in the MPBL Sixth Season in what is expected to be a fiery clash today at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna.

1 min

Knights need extra 10 mins to nip Stags

Vince Cuajao and Jimboy Estrada alternated in extra time as Letran outlasted San Sebastian, 101-98, in double overtime yesterday and regained solo No. 4 in NCAA Season 100 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

1 min

Maroons fight Warriors, Eagles battle Falcons

Host University of the Philippines and University of the East jockey for positions inside the magic four while Ateneo and Adamson look to stay in the thick of the race in the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball today at the Mall of Asia Arena.

1 min

Bibat, Ababa surge through stormy weather

BACOLOD - Michael Bibat battled through relentless rain to claim the first-round lead with a four-under 66 in the ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club yesterday.

1 min

26 nations vie in dragonboat world meet in P. Princesa

The Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragonboat Federation and Puerto Princesa City are leaving no stone unturned in making sure the 2024 ICF Dragonboat World Championships set Oct. 28 to Nov. 4 will be like no other.

1 min

Made in heaven

TNT was first to the PBA Governors' Cup Finals as the Tropa took only five games to dispose of Rain or Shine in the semis while Barangay Ginebra needed six to eliminate San Miguel Beer. A one-week break will give both teams time to rest and think of schemes with Game One set at the Ynares Center, Antipolo on Sunday.

2 mins

Foreign borrowings jump 36% to $3.8 B in Q3

The Philippines jacked up its borrowings from offshore creditors by almost 40 percent to 3.8 billion in the third quarter, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

1 min

Marcos pushes incentives to boost the country's e-mobility industry

President Marcos is pushing for enhanced measures and incentives that will benefit the e-mobility industry to lure more investors and create more jobs.

1 min

IMF retains Phl growth outlook for 2024, 2025

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has retained its growth prospects for the Philippines for this year and next amid challenging private consumption expansion in the country.

1 min

Shares up as investors expect positive Q3 earnings

Share prices advanced as investors anticipate the influx of good third quarter earnings results of listed companies in the coming days.

1 min

Meet the 'superhuman' behind the perfect Lexus drive

As a child growing up, Shuichi Ozaki dreamt of becoming an F1 driver.

4 mins

Strong pasta, ice cream sales boost RFM 9-month profit

Robust sales of pasta and ice cream boosted the earnings of food and beverage company RFM Corp. in the nine-month period ending September.

1 min

Megaworld eyes P3-B sales from upscale condo in Palawan

Property giant Megaworld Corp. is putting up an upscale residential condominium in Palawan, which is expected to generate P3 billion in sales for the company.

1 min

US firms urged to invest in PEZA zones

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is encouraging American companies to invest in the country's economic zones amid ongoing initiatives to improve the business environment.

2 mins

Green Heat to complete P2-B solar projects by 2026

Solar firm Green Heat Corp. wants to complete P2 billion worth of solar projects in the next 18 months as part of efforts to offer energy-efficient solutions amid a growing power demand.

1 min

Villar-led retail firms name new acting presidents

Listed retail companies of tycoon Manuel Villar Jr. have named new acting presidents to lead their respective businesses forward.

1 min

Amber Kinetics: The next frontier in energy storage

Somewhere inside the De La Salle University Laguna campus lies the product verification and demonstration facility of California-based Amber Kinetics, which is currently the world's only provider of long-duration flywheel energy storage systems (FESS).

1 min

Left behind in ASEAN

\"We never overtook you,\" my Thai friend once told me, when I told her how far the Philippines has been left behind by Thailand, Malaysia and perhaps even Vietnam.

4 mins

GSIS allots property for new transport hub in QC

State-run insurer Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is repurposing its three-hectare lot in Elliptical Road in Quezon City for a new transport hub that would match up to the size of the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX).

2 mins

Cash usage of state agencies remains high in Q3

The government increased its releases of cash allocations with the spending usage of state agencies remaining in a high mode in the third quarter.

2 mins

Quad comm to summon banks, AMLC

The quad committee of the House of Representatives wants to summon a couple of banks, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) and even the Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) to its next hearing to shed light on what appears to be the massive movement of funds from individuals or companies related to the ongoing investigation into Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators or POGOs.

3 mins

Phl, EU to tackle labor, environment, procurement in next FTA talks

The Philippines and the European Union (EU) resumed negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) last week, with the parties considering the inclusion of labor and environmental standards, as well as government procurement in the deal.

1 min

Chery Auto PH to launch new Tiggo 2 Pro at 9th PIIMS

Chery Auto Philippines (CAP) is participating in the 9th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) from October 24-27, 2024, at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

1 min

1,015 CV of power: Revuelto ushers Lamborghini into electrified era

Named after an 1880s fighting bull, the Revuelto is the fitting heir to the Lamborghini Aventador which completed a historic 11-year run atop the hallowed Lamborghini lineup as its most potent sport car since it was launched in 2011.

3 mins

FORD PHILIPPINES INAUGURATES ITS BIGGEST PARTS DISTRIBUTION CENTER IN CALAMBA, LAGUNA

All the marketing hype in the world cannot make up for lousy after-sales service. Word of mouth spreads quickly, more so in social media, which is why bolstering the back-end of your brand is just as crucial as launching the latest cars. This is why Ford and its longtime global partner DB Schenker are proud to announce their new Parts Distribution Center in Calamba, Laguna. It's in a strategic location that's near Maharlika Highway and less than four kilometers away from the nearest toll exit.

1 min

Lynk & Co takes charge at the 12th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit with the dynamic 01 PHEV

Bringing electrified Swedish design and engineering to the Philippines' premiere electric vehicle expo

3 mins

Alternergy allots P2.2 B for transmission project

Alternergy Holdings Corp. is seeking provisional authority to develop a P2.2-billion transmission project that will connect its 112-megawatt wind project in Rizal to the Luzon grid.

1 min

NDA eyes new funding from US to beef up local dairy herd

The National Dairy Authority (NDA) is exploring possible new funding from the US to beef up the country's dairy herd as the state agency seeks to achieve a five-percent self-sufficiency in milk by 2028.

1 min

Phl, Laos to ink agri pact next year

The government is looking at signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on agricultural cooperation with Laos next year to boost ties between the two Southeast Asian neighbors.

1 min

CAMO CHIC

Thursday was a huge shopping day in Greenbelt. The mall was buzzing with lines snaking two floors down either for the latest iPhone drop at midnight or the newest bag charm.

2 mins

TODAY'S BUZZWORD: SUSTAINABILITY

The Zonta Club of Makati and Environs (ZCME) celebrated United Nations Day with an exhibit spotlighting the power of sustainable fashion through a collaboration with their Zonta members and 19 talented female designers as they transformed pre-loved clothing generously donated by The Little Vintage Shop into stylish, purposeful fashion pieces and accessories.

1 min

LOVING CATRIONA GRAY'S ENVIRO-CHIC BAG

Celebrities and eco-conscious influencers are buzzing with excitement over the launch of the Enviro-Chic Bag, the brainchild of Catriona Gray, who personally designed the collection, in collaboration with Megaworld Lifestyle Malls as part of the mall operator's biggest sustainability campaign to date.

1 min

Inspired by the terno

Every terno tells a story. In it are woven a thousand and one stitches of simple and grand tales.

2 mins

Harrison Storm: From busking to the international music scene

\"It has been a long journey.\" Australian singer-songwriter Harrison Storm reflected on his relationship with music while looking back on his humble beginnings in an exclusive interview with The Philippine STAR during the \"DISTRICT M: A Marina Central Festival\" recently held in Singapore.

4 mins

LEA'S SUBTLETY, DOLLY'S RAWNESS: TWO POWERFUL TAKES ON 'REQUEST SA RADYO'

'Request sa Radyo,' directed and reimagined by Bobby Garcia, is a play that relies entirely on the performer's ability to communicate without dialogue. It revolves around Ms. Reyes, a middle-aged OFW nurse, who is grappling with the isolation and monotony of her life in a small apartment. While both performances told the same story, it was fascinating to see how the interpretation of the character could vary so greatly between the two actors. Lea Salonga (far right, photo) and Dolly de Leon approached the role with differing energies, bringing their own emotional depth and unique presence to the character of Ms. Reyes.

4 mins

OFW tries hand at acting via Spanish film 'Solo Kim'

An Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in Spain is expanding her horizons by starring in the short film \"Solo Kim\" or \"Just Kim\" in English.

4 mins

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The Philippine Star Newspaper Description:

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.