The Philippine Star - November 15, 2024

In this issue

November 15, 2024

As mayor, I will double drug war kills - Rody

Facing possible prosecution for thousands of deaths and notwithstanding his advanced age, former president Rodrigo Duterte said he is ready to double his drug war kills if he is elected Davao City mayor again in 2025.

2 mins

BBM: Phl won't stop Rody arrest through Interpol

The Philippines is not stopping a possible arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte by the Interpol if it is how his challenge to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to have him investigated would end up, President Marcos said yesterday.

5 mins

Gov't unfazed by China protest vs new laws

The Marcos administration is unfazed by China's protest against the enactment of two laws that reinforce the Philippines' entitlements and responsibilities within its maritime zones.

3 mins

47% see better life in next 12 months - SWS

The number of Filipinos who expect their quality of life to improve in the next 12 months stayed roughly the same in the third quarter of the year, a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) poll showed. The Sept. 14 to 23 survey

1 min

US donates P196 M to typhoon victims

An additional P196 million ($3.5 million) in aid to victims of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine in the Philippines has been provided by the US government, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

4 mins

Probe sought on GCash unauthorized transfers

Sen. Risa Hontiveros has filed a resolution seeking an investigation into the spate of unauthorized transactions in digital wallets, following the latest incident involving GCash.

1 min

Public, LGUs urged: Use updated hazard maps

With a series of typhoons causing widespread devastation across the country, a disaster scientist from the University of the Philippines has urged local government units and the general public to utilize updated maps showing hazards from different disasters.

1 min

Pinoy netizens more vulnerable to cyber threats - study

Filipino netizens are 33 times more likely to be exposed to threats in cyberspace due to a lack of safeguards against pirate websites, a study by an Australian researcher found.

2 mins

Church welcomes dialogue with 2025 bets - Ozamiz archbishop

The Catholic Church will be ready to engage in dialogue with potential candidates in the 2025 midterm elections, according to Archbishop Martin Jumoad of the Archdiocese of Ozamiz in Misamis Occidental.

1 min

Planned PhilHealth premium reductions to affect 11 M members

The Senate's plan to support reduction of premiums for the Philippine Health Insurance Corp.'s indirect contributors will affect close to 11 million PhilHealth members, according to a medical group.

1 min

Angara reiterates need to streamline SHS curriculum

Education Secretary Sonny Angara has reiterated the need to streamline the senior high school (SHS) curriculum in order for students to have more time for on-the-job training and other work immersion activities.

1 min

NBI summons Garma over PCSO slay case

Although in detention in the United States for using a canceled visa, former police colonel Royina Garma has been issued another subpoena by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) as part of its investigation on the killing of another police officer and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) board secretary Wesley Barayuga.

1 min

I can neither confirm nor deny...

Early this week, I heard of a message shared in an expat Facebook group, that an \"embassy\" had messaged their citizens residing in the Philippines, informing them of the availability of a dengue vaccine by next month. As a first step, I asked my source to take a screen grab of the message and to confirm if the source is authentic and reliable.

3 mins

Don't let them get away

The National Bureau of Investigation has summoned former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office general manager Royina Garma for the revival of a probe into the murder of former PCSO board secretary Wesley Barayuga in July 2020 in Mandaluyong.

1 min

War on drugs

ROSES & THORNS

2 mins

BIR seizes cigarettes with P8.5-B tax liability

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has confiscated 11.5 million packs of illicit cigarettes with an estimated tax deficiency of P8.54 billion.

1 min

Quiboloy transferred to children's hospital

Alleged child sexual abuser Apollo Quiboloy was transferred to a children's hospital in Quezon City for medical tests, the Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed yesterday.

1 min

Metro LGUs join Q4 quake drill

National and local government offices as well as private companies joined the fourth quarter nationwide simultaneous earthquake drills yesterday.

1 min

More mayors favor BARMM poll delay

More local executives in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao have joined the groups seeking to defer next year's BARMM parliamentary elections to 2026.

1 min

Dog meat trader meted 3 years in prison

A Bulacan court recently sentenced a dog meat trader to up to three years of imprisonment for killing dogs and selling their meat.

1 min

Haze seen in Cebu not caused by Kanlaon - Phivolcs

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) clarified yesterday that the light haze being experienced in Cebu and other areas of the country did not originate from Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island.

1 min

World's largest coral found near Solomon Islands

Scientists say they have found the world's largest coral near the Pacific's Solomon Islands, announcing yesterday a major discovery \"pulsing with life and color.\"

1 min

Trump, Biden discuss Ukraine, Middle East

In 'cordial' White House meeting

1 min

Republicans complete power takeover with House majority

The Republicans were declared the majority party in the US House of Representatives on Wednesday, completing a clean sweep of Congress and the White House in last week's elections and handing incoming president Donald Trump vast legislative power.

1 min

'Do They Know It's Christmas' gets 40th anniv remix

An \"ultimate mix\" of \"Do They Know It's Christmas\" is set for release later this month to celebrate 40 years since the festive charity hit's recording.

1 min

Gambler hits $85-M jackpot betting on Trump

A man made $85 million in a series of wagers on Polymarket, a crypto-based prediction market that was a popular platform for betting on the US election won by Donald Trump, a blockchain analysis firm told AFP on Wednesday.

1 min

Thailand's baby hippo releases song in 4 languages

In case you can't get enough of the little pygmy hippo Moo Deng from Thailand, there's now an official song featuring the internet's favorite baby animal - released in four languages for her global fans.

1 min

King Charles turns 76 after year of little celebration

L Britain's head of state King Charles III (in photo) turns 76 today, still in the grip of cancer treatment, but with his passion for work undimmed by what his son and heir Prince William called a \"brutal\" year.

1 min

Israel strikes Hezbollah areas in Beirut for third day

Israeli forces launched airstrikes on Hezbollah-controlled areas in Beirut for a third consecutive day on Thursday, hitting locations in the capital's southern suburbs early in the morning after a night of heavy bombardments.

1 min

Harlem in NBA?

In 2021, the Harlem Globetrotters sent an open letter to NBA commissioner Adam Silver, suggesting to join the league as a franchise.

2 mins

Eyes on Bandala, Gonzaga

Pete Bandala and Ayl Gonzaga are set to showcase their skills and talent as they go for a double-title run in the Dipolog City National Juniors Tennis Championships, which kicks off today at the RGS and Mibang courts in Zamboanga del Norte.

1 min

Brahmans extend run

University of Batangas pulled off a five-set thriller over defending men's champion Philippine Christian University-Dasmariñas in the Universities and Colleges Athletic League-PGFlex Season 7 Volleyball at the UB gym in Batangas City.

1 min

Alcaraz pummels Rublev; Ruud loses

Carlos Alcaraz opened his account at the ATP Finals on Wednesday with an entertaining 6-3, 7-6 (10/8) win over Andrey Rublev, while Casper Ruud missed an early chance to reach the semifinals after losing in straight sets to Alexander Zverev.

1 min

Akil powers Bolts to 2nd EASL win

New import Akil Mitchell provided the main power source as Meralco nipped Korean champ Busan KCC Egis, 81-80, for its second win in the East Asia Super League Season 2 Wednesday at the PhilSports Arena.

1 min

Del Rosario climbs to joint 9th

Pauline del Rosario heated up with a 69 yesterday, countering Mikha Fortuna's cooled-off 73 as the Epson Tour veteran set her sights on capturing a second LPGA of Taiwan (TLPGA) championship at the Party Golfers Ladies Open in Hsinchu County in Taiwan.

1 min

Foreign investment pledges surge

Investment commitments from foreign firms approved by investment promotion agencies (IPAs) jumped by 434.4 percent in the third quarter from a year ago, with the bulk going into manufacturing activities.

2 mins

S&P: Phl banks' profit to moderate in 2025

The earnings of Philippine banks could moderate over the next two years as net interest margins decline in line with anticipated policy rate cuts, according to S&P Global Ratings.

2 mins

Market extends losing streak

Share prices plunged anew yesterday as investors continue to exit the market, extending the local bourse's losing streak to

1 min

Meralco unit, Polish firm to deploy EV charging hubs

Movem Electric Inc., the sustainable mobility arm of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), has teamed up with Poland-based ChargeEuropa to roll out electric vehicle (EV) charging hubs in the Philippines.

1 min

CPG sets sights on provincial expansion

Century Properties Group Inc. (CPG), the listed property developer of the Antonio family, has set its sights on more provincial expansion after its expanded geographic and product footprint propelled earnings to a double-digit growth in the nine months ending September.

1 min

RCBC earnings slide to P6.2 B in Jan-Sept

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) reported a net profit of P6.22 billion from January to September, 31.1 percent lower compared to the P9.03 billion recorded in the comparable period last year.

2 mins

Privatize Pagcor right away

A few weeks ago, PAGCOR Chairman Al Tengco told me that BBM is determined to privatize PAGCOR and has already started the ball rolling to get this done.

4 mins

24 green projects up for grid impact study

The Department of Energy has cleared 24 green energy projects to undertake a system impact study (SIS) with the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP).

1 min

Gaming revenue hits P266 B in 9 months

The local gambling industry is still raking in from increased operational capacity with its gross gaming revenue (GGR) growing to P266 billion in the nine-month period, effectively hitting nearly 80 percent of its target for the year.

1 min

Dito CME to proceed with follow-on offer

Dito CME Holdings Corp. of Davao-based businessman Dennis Uy is proceeding with its planned follow-on offering of up to P4.2 billion this month.

1 min

DMCI Homes debuts in Cebu City

DMCI Homes, the property development arm of the Consunji Group, is investing around P24 billion in its foray into the Cebu real estate market.

1 min

NGCP readies P600-B capex projects

The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) is allocating over P600 billion for the development of more than 100 capital expenditure transmission projects in the pipeline.

2 mins

Balai income up 26% to P52 M in 9 months

Earnings of counter service bakery operator Balai ni Fruitas Inc. climbed by a little over a quarter in the nine months ending September as the company's revenue nearly reached the half-billion-peso mark.

1 min

Phl startups need funding boost, tax incentives

The government needs to increase funding support and implement a special tax program for local startups to propel the growth of the country's startup ecosystem, according to venture capital fund Gobi-Core Philippine Fund.

1 min

Nuclear dev't seen as investment area for Maharlika fund

Maharlika Investment Corp. (MIC), the country's first sovereign wealth fund manager, could end up investing in nuclear development to unlock its potential as an energy source by 2032.

2 mins

PIDS: Economy to grow by at least 5.8% this year

The Philippines is expected to post a faster growth of 5.8 to six percent this year from a year ago, with the expansion to be supported by government spending as well as consumption, according to the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).

2 mins

Security Bank income jumps 12% to P8.5 B

Security Bank Corp. booked a 12-percent jump in net income to P8.55 billion in the first nine months versus last year's P4.83 billion amid higher revenues.

1 min

MacroAsia profit hits almost P1 B

Aviation support service provider MacroAsia Corp. pushed its profit up to nearly P1 billion in the nine months to September, propelled by the double-digit growth in its core businesses of in-flight catering and ground handling.

1 min

Cebu Pacific sees share in air travel market rising to 60%

Low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific looks to close the year holding 60 percent of the domestic market, unshaken by the 33 percent reduction in its profit in the nine months to September.

1 min

Filinvest income soars to record high

The earnings of Gotianun-led conglomerate Filinvest Development Corp. (FDC) soared to a new record-high in the nine months ending September.

1 min

PBCom profit grows 36% in 9 months

Lucio Co's Philippine Bank of Communications (PBCom) booked an income growth of 36 percent to P1.85 billion in the first nine months from P1.36 billion in the same period in 2023 amid higher operating income.

1 min

Strong middle class key to AmBisyon Natin 2040

Building a strong middle class is necessary to realize the country's long-term vision of a prosperous, predominantly middle-class society by 2040, or AmBisyon Natin 2040, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

1 min

Corn imports seen to ease to 1.5 M MT

The Philippines' corn imports are expected to drop slightly to 1.5 million metric tons in the current market year due to lower world corn shipments and weak recovery in production.

2 mins

ALDEN RICHARDS AND KATHRYN BERNARDO: THE PERFECT PAIR FOR BENCH

Bench, the country's leading lifestyle and fashion brand, spotlights two of its brightest stars: Alden Richards and Kathryn Bernardo.

1 min

Bitageol's holiday pop-up at Power Plant Mall

Earlier this year, designer and visual artist Jo Ann Bitagcol opened the first studio of her eponymous brand Bitagcol in Poblacion, Makati.

2 mins

SPARKLE AND SHINE THIS CHRISTMAS

This festive season, add an extra sparkle to your celebrations with Nuxe gift sets—Nuxe Pink Fever (Huile Prodigieuse Florale) box, The Iconics Box (a trio of iconic Nuxe care products), and the Nuxe Christmas crackers (roll-on versions of Huile Prodigieuse Or and Florale)—that capture the magic of the holidays.

1 min

Revolutionize your living space with AllHome Spaces

For many new homeowners, the excitement of a new space is all about possibilities.

1 min

ONE SHOPPING DAY IN CHINATOWN

One Monday morning found us on a happy walk, savoring a slice of that unique enclave in Manila known as Binondo.

5 mins

WHY IS EVERYONE TRYING TO HEAL THEIR INNER CHILD?

With every new Internet fad, weekend pop-up market and accessory craze, it's almost like the general zeitgeist is falling into something ironic: older twenty-somethings are subscribing to youthful, girly trends, and younger girls are acting older and older online.

4 mins

Memories on a Christmas tree

Following a tradition that began with my mother Sonia, I usually set up our Christmas tree right after All Saints' Day.

3 mins

Flying high with Luigi Iboleon Dy

The country does not run short of Filipino students with exemplary performances in universities abroad. At Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, a son of a topnotch cardiologist and businessman is set to make a mark with his research on worldwide aviation.

4 mins

PINOY WINNERS AT THE MTV EMAS

The girl group of Cherry on Top and Pangtropiko fame bested Illit of South Korea; Mahalini from Indonesia; Masdo from Malaysia; and Sakurazaka 46 from Japan.

2 mins

Galerie Joaquin's Jack Teotico finds 'Silver Lining' in semi-autobiographical musical

\"Silver Lining\" tells the story of high school friends Leo, Anton, and Raul—now seniors—across two timelines.

4 mins

MISS U 2022 R'BONNEY GABRIEL ON PHL BET CHELSEA MANALO: 'SHE'S KILLING IT'

MISS UNIVERSE 2022 R'Bonney Gabriel is delighted to be in Mexico for the 73rd edition of the Miss Universe pageant where she will serve as the preliminary round host.

2 mins

The 2024 Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup gets an intense finish

Iñigo Anton claims championship in Super Sporting Class, Alain Alzona in Sporting Class, Bong Garbes in Promotional Class, Russel Reyes in Novice Class

3 mins

Building tomorrow: Toyota Carcar Service Center breaks ground

The new facility aims to enhance customer service and support for Toyota owners in Cebu, further expanding Toyota's presence in the region

1 min

Test drive the new Ford Ranger Raptor 3.0L V6 at the Auto Focus Pre-Christmas Test Drive Festival

For the first time since its launch at the Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) last month, the New Ford Ranger Raptor 3.0L V6 will be available for test drive to the motoring public at the Auto Focus Pre-Christmas Test Drive Festival.

1 min

MEET THE ALL-NEW TASMAN - KIA'S FIRST MIDSIZE PICKUP TRUCK

Kia has officially entered the midsize pickup market with the global launch of its all-new Tasman.

2 mins

Have a merry drive of the latest Jetour models at the 2024 Auto Focus Pre-Christmas Test Drive Festival

Christmas is already in the air...and as this festive mood gains traction, car enthusiasts and prospective car buyers in the Philippines are gathering at the 2024 Auto Focus Pre-Christmas Multi-brand Test Drive Festival, where leading car brands showcase their latest models in a lively, pre-Christmas celebration.

2 mins

5 FEATURES THAT MAKE THE HYUNDAI TUCSON A GREAT HYBRID SUV

Over the years, the Hyundai Tucson has become a staple nameplate in the Philippines, catering to various needs and wants of Filipinos in terms of compact SUV ownership.

4 mins

Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid: Built For daily adventures

If there's one car that can be considered as the king of reinvention, it's the Hyundai Santa Fe.

5 mins

Hyundai expands in Abad Santos and Marilao in partnership with ANC+ Group of Companies

Hyundai Motor Philippines Inc. (HMPH) strengthens its presence with the opening of its dealership in Abad Santos in partnership with the ANC+ Group of Companies.

1 min

Hyundai Santa Fe...

Huge plus in all directions even with the chunky rear pillars. The gear selector is a large, rectangular stalk on the steering column. It's a package lesson Hyundai's learned on their EVs and this frees up even more space on the double decker center console.

1 min

Celebrate a Japanese-inspired Christmas at The Seasons Residences and MITSUKOSHI BGC

Step into the spirit of Japanese culture this holiday season at The Seasons Residences and MITSUKOSHI BGC in Bonifacio Global City, where the spirit of Japanese traditions meets the joy of Filipino Christmas.

2 mins

EMBRACE THE ELEGANCE OF GOLD AND MARBLE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

ROSE TO THE OCCASION

3 mins

The Big Easy Brings Pizzazz to Bulacan with The Crescent by Vista Land

Dubbed the Northern Gateway from Manila, Bulacan is one of the country's progressive provinces and a top tourist destination, offering a host of historical landmarks, ancient homes, and magnificent churches.

2 mins

Bulacan: Your gateway to the past and the present

Bulacan, with its blend of historical significance, expanding economic opportunities, and natural beauty, has become a compelling choice for future residents and investors.

2 mins

PH residential market beyond 2024: Opportunities amidst uncertainties

Colliers Philippines continues to see a lackluster Metro Manila pre-selling condominium market.

3 mins

Discover the Philippines' UNESCO Creative Cities

Did you know that three cities in the Philippines have been designated as UNESCO Creative Cities? In 2023, Iloilo made waves after it was designated a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Before that, Baguio City became the first Filipino city to earn the title of UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art in 2017, followed by Cebu City in 2019 as a Creative City of Design.

2 mins

Live connected: Irene Lopez finds wellness and community in Capitol Commons

In the heart of Metro Manila lies Capitol Commons, a vibrant enclave that harmonizes the energy of city living with the calm of lush green spaces.

3 mins

SUNTRUST AT 27: DELIVERING WAVES OF HOPE

The real estate company gives back to its partner community

2 mins

Evia Lifestyle Center welcomes the holiday season with "Once Upon A Christmas" annual tree lighting celebration

The festive spirit of the season filled the air at Evia Lifestyle Center as the Villar Group hosted its much-anticipated \"Once Upon A Christmas\" Annual Tree Lighting Celebration, kicking off the holiday season across the Villar Group's Vista Malls all over the country.

1 min

Investing in properties with timeless appeal

When it comes to real estate, one of the most appealing factors for investors is the idea of permanence—an asset that withstands market shifts, fluctuating trends, and even time itself.

2 mins

Read all stories from The Philippine Star

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.