The Philippine Star - October 26, 2024

In this issue

October 26, 2024

Accountability sought in flood control budgets

Senate President Francis Escudero vowed to demand accountability from government officials on the allocation and effectiveness of the multibillion-peso funding appropriated for flood control projects during the upcoming budget deliberations.

2 mins

Pope to faithful: Abandon mad pursuit of money

Pope Francis urged the world's 1.4 billion Catholics to abandon the \"mad pursuit\" of money and instead devote themselves to their faith, in a new encyclical letter, the highest form of papal teaching, released on Thursday.

1 min

DepEd studying policy on use of AI in schools

The Department of Education is studying the possibility of crafting a policy standard on the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in schools.

2 mins

Landslide buries village in Batangas; 14 dead

Days of incessant rains unleashed a landslide that buried at least 14 people, including 12 children, with six others still missing in Talisay town in Batangas on Thursday night.

6 mins

Marcos orders 'conveyor belt of aid'

With pleas for help from thousands affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine appearing to overwhelm private and government aid groups, President Marcos has ordered concerned agencies to set up \"a conveyor belt of aid\" for victims, even as another weather disturbance looms this weekend.

4 mins

Kristine exits PAR; new cyclone looms

Severe Tropical Storm Kristine has left the Philippine area of responsibility, but another tropical cyclone is set to enter PAR over the weekend, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

1 min

Thousands remain stranded at ports

Thousands of passengers remain stranded at ports nationwide even as Severe Tropical Storm Kristine left the Philippine landmass.

1 min

Vegetable prices shoot up after Kristine

The retail prices of vegetables in Metro Manila markets have increased by as much as P30 per kilo compared to their prices prior to the devastation of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, according to latest monitoring of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

1 min

Acting chair of communist party arrested - NSC

The acting chairman of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) was arrested on Thursday in a joint military and police operation in Quezon City.

1 min

Archdiocese of Caceres in Bicol appeals for help

The Roman Catholic Church in Bicol is appealing for help as thousands in the region reel from \"the worst flooding ever\" and agonize over slow and meager assistance from concerned agencies.

3 mins

10 LGUs conferred 2024 Galing Pook Awards

President Marcos conferred yesterday the 2024 Galing Pook Award on 10 local government units (LGUs) for their innovative programs that help promote environmental sustainability, child protection, education and inclusive growth.

1 min

Rights group hits back at Sara's remarks

Rights group Karapatan hit back at Vice President Sara Duterte's remarks that she is not the biggest problem of the country, noting that she and her kind are the reason why Filipinos are suffering.

1 min

35 Indonesians in Cebu POGO hub deported

Thirty-five Indonesians were deported from the Philippines after they were found working in a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) firm in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported.

1 min

Mixed adjustments for fuel prices next week

Motorists can expect mixed adjustments across domestic pump prices next week, amid recent developments in the global oil market.

1 min

Households with power disruptions down to 360,000 - Meralco

The number of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) customers that had power disruptions and outages have declined to around 360,000 from a peak of more than half a million at the height of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

2 mins

House transmits P6.325-T 2025 nat'l budget to Senate

The House of Representatives transmitted to the Senate yesterday the P6.325-trillion national budget for 2025.

1 min

Angat water level good for 2025 summer

The increase in the water elevation of Angat Dam is timely to ensure enough water supply for the summer of 2025, a ranking official of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) said yesterday.

1 min

Comelec elected vice chair in world electoral bodies

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) was elected vice chair in the Association of World Election Bodies (A-WEB) and the Association of Asian Election Authorities (AAEA).

1 min

'No mercy' crackdown set after drug bust near Palace

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla yesterday issued a stern warning to drug syndicates, declaring a \"no mercy\" approach following the arrest of a suspected drug pusher operating within the Malacañang complex in San Miguel, Manila.

1 min

Metal detectors, X-ray machines deactivated at NAIA entrances

Metal detectors and X-ray machines at the entrances to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminals 1 to 4 have been switched off to minimize queuing time for travelers entering the facilities.

1 min

QC declares state of calamity

Several parts of Metro Manila have been affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, with the Quezon City government declaring a state of calamity yesterday following heavy rainfall and flooding that affected several parts of the city, leading to the evacuation of thousands of families.

3 mins

PNP widens search for kidnapped American

The police and military have expanded the search for Elliot Onil Eastman outside the Zamboanga peninsula, a week after the American was kidnapped in Sibuco town.

1 min

Water levels in 10 Luzon dams continue to rise

The water level of Angat Dam reached 200.3 meters as the elevation of nine Luzon dams continue to go up amid the rains brought by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

1 min

3 vessels ran aground during storm

At least three cargo vessels were reported to have run aground during the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine in Romblon, Palawan and Pangasinan provinces.

1 min

Samuel L. Jackson lauded at MoMA film benefit

The Museum of Modern Art was filled with expletives and laughter Wednesday evening as Samuel L. Jackson's family and friends celebrated the actor and director's storied career of box office hits, larger-than-life characters and explosive one-liners at the annual film benefit.

1 min

Tim Burton bares dread of AI as exhibition opens

The imagination of Tim Burton has produced ghosts and ghouls, Martians, monsters and misfits – all on display at an exhibition that is opening in London just in time for Halloween.

1 min

Ukraine says NoKor troops arrived in Russian combat zone

Ukraine said Thursday that North Korean troops have arrived in the \"combat zone\" in Russia's Kursk border region, where Moscow has struggled to push back Ukrainian forces for months.

1 min

Harris joined by Obama, Springsteen at star-studded rally

Kamala Harris held a star-studded rally on Thursday in swing state Georgia, where former US president Barack Obama and rock legend Bruce Springsteen joined her final push for voters ahead of November's nail-biter election.

1 min

Israel, Hamas signal openness to talks on Gaza war

Israel said on Thursday its spy chief will attend Gaza ceasefire talks and Hamas vowed to stop fighting if a truce is reached, as long-stalled efforts to end the war appeared to gain momentum.

1 min

Canada slashes immigration as public concern rises

Canada on Thursday sharply curbed its immigration targets in an effort to \"pause\" population growth, a shift that comes as public support for immigration declines.

1 min

Trump's lawyers seek dismissal of federal election case

Lawyers for former President Donald Trump told a federal judge on Thursday that the election interference case against him should be dismissed, arguing that special counsel Jack Smith was illegally appointed and that funding for his office should be cut off.

1 min

Venice expands tourist entry fee system

Venice is going to broaden its tourist entry fee system in 2025, almost doubling the number of days visitors will have to pay to see the lagoon city, and hiking the price for last-minute arrivals, officials said on Thursday.

1 min

Hustle and flow

From extreme want often comes great bounty. Our ability to rise from challenges defines our character. In this story, a husband and wife experienced extreme life changes due to COVID-19, only to come out stronger and share their blessings with the youth of Floridablanca, Pampanga and beyond.

1 min

Zaragosa rules abbreviated Negros Classic

Rupert Zaragosa claimed his second Philippine Golf Tour crown after torrential rain brought by Typhoon Kristine forced the cancellation of the third and final round at the ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic here yesterday.

1 min

TALES OF EPIC COMEBACKS

Pogoy and Tenorio are in the Last Dance for the first time after their inspiring comebacks from myocarditis and colon cancer, respectively, and will cherish every moment of it.

2 mins

Thompson fires six 3s in Dallas debut

Klay Thompson set a franchise record in a Dallas debut with six 3-pointers and scored 22 points playing alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving for the first time Thursday night in the Mavericks' 120-109 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in the opener for both teams.

1 min

Asian Beach Volley returns to Nuvali

Stefanie Fejes and Jana Milutinovic of Australia return for another title chase as Alas Pilipinas battles for podium spots in the 2024 Asian Senior Beach Volleyball Championships starting Nov. 5 at the Nuvali Sand Courts in the City of Santa Rosa.

1 min

Archers, Eagles clash in rematch

Barring any added class suspensions and extended inclement weather, the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball resumes today starring archrivals La Salle and Ateneo at the Mall of Asia Arena.

1 min

Dodgers-Yankees WS unfolds

The most eagerly anticipated World Series showdown in decades gets under way here Friday as the Los Angeles Dodgers take on the New York Yankees in what promises to be a baseball blockbuster for the ages.

1 min

Bravo cleared to rejoin LPU Pirates

The storm has passed for Lyceum of the Philippines University's JM Bravo.

1 min

Feed makers tap thriving pet food market

A quick search on Google Maps for stores selling pet food in Quezon City would spawn multiple red pins across the metropolis' more than 16,000 hectares of area.

3 mins

Banks see higher loan demand

Driven by stronger consumption in Q4

1 min

Market rebounds on bargain hunting

The stock market rebounded from a two-day slump as investors hunted for bargains.

1 min

Metro Retail beefs up sustainability initiatives

Metro Retail Stores Group Inc. (MRSGI), the listed retail company of the Gaisano Group, is strengthening sustainable retail practices to minimize its environmental impact.

2 mins

No such thing as a bad idea

Have you ever joined a \"brainstorming session\" and heard the facilitator say, \"Come on, guys, there is no such thing as a bad idea?\"

2 mins

Shang Properties buys SMPI subsidiary for P2.5 B

Listed luxury property developer Shang Properties Inc. has acquired a subsidiary of San Miguel Properties Inc. (SMPI) for P2.5 billion.

1 min

RRHI earnings surge in 9 months

Gokongwei-owned Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. (RRHI) sustained its strong performance in the third quarter, boosting its earnings to a robust growth in the nine-month period ending September.

1 min

SPNEC to activate portion of 500-MW project in 2025

SP New Energy Corp. (SPNEC) of tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan wants to switch on a portion of its 500-megawatt (MW) solar farm in Nueva Ecija as early as October next year.

1 min

BDO, Podium Complex merger gets BSP nod

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has approved the merger of BDO Unibank Inc. and the Podium Complex Inc.

1 min

Lessons from next-gen leaders

As the global environment becomes more unpredictable and complex, a new type of leader, the next generation leader (NGL), has emerged during these times of adversity.

4 mins

RJ Guitars is first local guitar brand to invade US

After almost 40 years of guitar-making experience, RJ Guitars is the first Philippine guitar brand to break into the US market.

1 min

DITO adds a feather to its RedCap

\"As we introduce this new technology in the market, we want to debunk the notion that 5G is only for the elite or privileged. This product will make 5G more accessible to everyone, especially for the underserved market.\"

2 mins

It's Call of Duty weekend and it is the cheapest it can get - but at what cost?

Subscribers to PC Game Pass and Game Pass Premium win, but what's at stake for Xbox?

3 mins

REDISCOVERING BEYBLADE: My experience at the GGP Freeplay event

Sometimes, you stumble upon something that hits you with a wave of pure nostalgia. That's exactly what happened when I walked into the Beyblade X Freeplay event hosted by Gamer Girls Philippines at SideQuest: Cafe + Hobby Lounge in Capital Commons.

1 min

DICT on cybersecurity woes: 'We're not being given the proper ammunition'

Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan John Uy said that the ability to defend a country's cyber infrastructure requires good intel, which the Philippines currently lacks.

1 min

TCL Unveils the NXTFRAME TV: Where Art Meets Technology

TCL, a leading consumer electronics company, has launched its revolutionary NXTFRAME TV A300 Series, a groundbreaking innovation that blurs the lines between art and technology.

2 mins

PLDT Home uncaps 5G+ experience with Home WiFi

PLDT Home ushers a new era of 5G technology in the country with the new PLDT Home WiFi 5G+, capable of delivering uncapped speeds of up to 1.5 Gbps at the ground-breaking introductory price of only P1,495.

2 mins

SEC taps Komunidad for sustainability report submission

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has tapped climate data and analytics software company Komunidad Global Services & Operations Philippines Inc. to facilitate the submission of sustainability reports by publicly listed companies.

1 min

BSP, German firm partner for currency management

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has teamed up with German government banknotes printer Bundesdruckerei GmbH for payments and currency management in the country.

1 min

Phl seeks more concessional financing from World Bank

The Philippines is seeking more concessional financing from the Washington-based World Bank to fund the country's priority projects.

1 min

OLD TOWN TAAL: A HOP, SKIP AND JUMP AWAY FROM MANILA

Visit to Taal, Batangas maybe 15 years ago left me with the pleasant memory of a small, charming hill town, awash with history and heritage homes that benefitted from a healthy population of local individuals interested in preserving these for posterity, converting them into house museums, restaurants and characterful accommodations.

8 mins

Delivering the signature Rockwell experience to the City of Smiles

There's something about Bacolod that excites the senses, warms the heart, and refreshes the soul.

3 mins

WILCON DEPOT SHINES WITH TRIPLE WINS AT OFR AWARDS 2024

Wilcon Depot, under the brilliant leadership of founder and chairman emeritus Dr. William Belo, alongside president and CEO Lorraine Belo-Cincochan and SEVP-COO Rosemarie Bosch-Ong, continues to shine brightly in the retail landscape, clinching a remarkable triple victory at this year's Outstanding Filipino Retailers (OFR) Awards.

1 min

How social media is helping Singaporean artists Regina Song, WHYLUCAS reach global audiences

Emerging Singaporean artists Regina Song and WHYLUCAS gave credit to social media for helping their songs, the cutest pair and Fall, gain listeners in the international scene during an exclusive interview with The STAR on the sidelines of \"DISTRICT M: A Marina Central Festival.\"

3 mins

CHELSEA MANALO SHARES COMPETITION STRATEGY

FOR UPCOMING MISS UNIVERSE

3 mins

'SINE SINDAK' HORROR FILM FESTIVAL HOPES TO BRING AUDIENCES BACK TO CINEMAS

WILL THE HORROR GENRE bring the audiences back to theaters?

2 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.