The Philippine Star - November 21, 2024

In this issue

November 21, 2024

Austin: US troops deployed to Task Force Ayungin

Vice President Sara Duterte's chief of staff was cited in contempt last night when she finally faced the House of Representatives, and will be detained in the chamber until Nov. 25.

3 mins

DILG chief, CSC chair get CA confirmation

The Commission on Appointments (CA) yesterday approved the ad interim appointment of Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla and Civil Service Commission (CSC) Chairperson Marilyn Barua-Yap.

2 mins

'POGOs now using resorts, restaurants as fronts'

Resorts and restaurants are becoming the \"biggest disguise\" of some Philippine offshore gaming operators as these establishments are used by POGOs as fronts for crime, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said yesterday.

3 mins

'POGOS now using resorts, restaurants as fronts'

Resorts and restaurants are becoming the \"biggest disguise\" of some Philippine offshore gaming operators as these establishments are used by POGOs as fronts for crime, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said yesterday.

3 mins

Sara's chief of staff detained for contempt

Vice President Sara Duterte's chief of staff was cited in contempt last night when she finally faced the House of Representatives, and will be detained in the chamber until Nov. 25.

4 mins

Over 10 M Filipinas lack access to family planning - DOH

Over 10 million Filipino women nationwide still have no access to family planning and face the risk of unwanted pregnancy, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

2 mins

Sara's chief of staff detained for contempt

Vice President Sara Duterte's chief of staff was cited in contempt last night when she finally faced the House of Representatives, and will be detained in the chamber until Nov. 25.

4 mins

'No storm next week'

No cyclone is expected to enter or form within the Philippine area of responsibility next week after six consecutive cyclones battered parts of the country recently, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

1 min

Mary Jane coming home, says BBM

After more than a decade of diplomatic efforts spanning three administrations, Mary Jane Veloso is finally \"coming home,\" where she will continue to serve her prison term in accordance with a landmark arrangement with Jakarta, President Marcos announced on Wednesday.

5 mins

House OKs 5 bills

Five pieces of legislation were approved on third and final reading on Tuesday by lawmakers in the plenary session at the House of Representatives, among them a bill that allows employment for senior citizens and the Free Transportation of Relief Goods Act.

1 min

Villar Family Honors Contributions of OFWs at 13th OFW and Family Summit

The Villar family paid tribute to the invaluable contributions of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) at the 13th OFW and Family Summit on Friday, November 8, held at The Tent in Las Piñas City.

4 mins

Bad weather class suspension policy to be reviewed

Education Secretary Sonny Angara has ordered a review of the Department of Education (DepEd)'s policy on class suspension during typhoons, saying there must be a balance between ensuring the safety of students and teachers and preventing further increases in the number of school days lost.

3 mins

No layoffs in cutting number of PNP generals - Remulla

While he wants to whittle down the number of police generals from 153 to 25, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla gave assurance that no one will be fired.

2 mins

Rody to be invited again to quad comm probe

Former president Rodrigo Duterte will again be invited to attend a hearing of the House of Representatives quad committee that is investigating his administration's deadly campaign against illegal drugs, panel chairman Surigao del Norte Rep.

1 min

Senate deletes AKAP from 2025 budget

The Senate has deleted the P39.8billion allocation for the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) inserted in the proposed 2025 budget by the House of Representatives, Sen. Imee Marcos confirmed on Tuesday.

1 min

BAI officials suspended over 66 goats with Q fever

Some officials of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) have been suspended over the importation of 66 goats infected with Q fever, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

1 min

PNP bans lavish Christmas parties

Heeding the call of President Marcos for government officials and employees to scale down Christmas parties, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has prohibited lavish parties during the holiday season.

1 min

We should be alarmed over dengue

EYES WIDE OPEN

4 mins

Chicken

Humanity could be extinct in a few days. Or maybe not.

3 mins

Wanted: Mary Grace Piattos

For a woman whose signature appears on acknowledgment receipts covering tens of millions in public funds used by the Office of the Vice President, no one in the OVP seems to know who Mary Grace Piattos is. Or is it Mary Grace Piatty?

2 mins

Lino Cayetano, Olivia Rodrigo, Manny Pacquiao, Carlos Yulo

The last four slots of my Power 100, the Most Powerful and Influential Filipinos, are occupied by four iconic figures - No. 97, Lino Cayetano; No. 98, Olivia Rodrigo; No. 99, Manny Pacquiao and No. 100, Carlos Yulo.

4 mins

Here's how Trump could lose the coming trade war

The good news: I don't think Donald Trump will cause a global trade war.

3 mins

Phl must stand for a strong plastics treaty

As the fifth and final session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) to develop a Global Plastics Treaty resumes, our nation faces a critical moment.

2 mins

The continuing uncertainty in Taiwan

The election of Donald Trump as president has world wondering I The what the effect will be on geopolitics.

3 mins

MMDA sends humanitarian team to Catanduanes

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) yesterday sent a team to carry out humanitarian efforts for communities battered by Super Typhoon Pepito (Man-yi) in the islandprovince of Catanduanes.

1 min

PNP gearing up for recalibrated war on drugs

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is gearing up for its recalibrated human rights-based anti-drug campaign under the Marcos administration.

1 min

Woman fatally stabbed 25 times in Las Piñas

A 29-year-old woman was fatally stabbed allegedly by her husband in a park in Las Piñas City last Monday afternoon.

1 min

Go gives aid to micro-entrepreneurs in Tondo, Manila

Sen. Bong Go on Tuesday personally extended his support to hundreds of microentrepreneurs in Tondo, Manila, as part of his continued commitment to uplifting communities in need.

1 min

25 workers deployed to restore power in Nueva Vizcaya

Up to 25 workers from five power cooperatives in Northern Luzon were deployed in this province yesterday to help restore power lines and posts destroyed by Super Typhoon Pepito.

1 min

1,195 free WiFi sites set up in Central Luzon

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has installed and activated 1,195 free WiFi sites across Central Luzon.

1 min

Lawmaker seeks deeper probe of Pampanga execs' slay

A member of the House of Representatives is seeking a deeper investigation into the murder of six local officials in Pampanga, which occurred from April 2022 to middle of this month.

1 min

Candaba 3rd Viaduct opening set next month

The North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Corp. is targeting to fully open next month a five-kilometer viaduct between two existing bridges connecting the towns of Pulilan in Bulacan and Apalit in Pampanga.

1 min

NoKor's latest weapon? Bombarding South with noise

Gunshots, screams, eerie laughter: South Korea's border island Ganghwa is being bombarded nightly with blood-curdling sounds, part of a new campaign by the nuclear-armed North that is driving residents to despair.

1 min

Ukraine hits Russia with US missiles

For the first time | Ukraine used US ATACMS missiles to strike Russian territory on Nov. 19, taking advantage of newly granted permission from the outgoing administration of US President Joe Biden on the war's 1,000th day.

1 min

Russia vows response after Ukraine fires US missiles

Russia warned on Tuesday that it would respond after Ukraine fired longer-range US missiles at its territory for the first time, as President Vladimir Putin issued a nuclear threat on the 1,000th day of the war.

1 min

Republicans target trans Sarah McBride with Capitol bathroom bill

When Democratic representativeelect Sarah McBride (in photo) won her race for the House in November, becoming the first openly transgender person elected to Congress, she knew she would face attacks from hard-right Republicans over her identity.

1 min

Over 2 dozen killed after attempted attack on Haiti suburb

More than two dozen suspected gang members were killed in Haiti's capital on Tuesday after residents joined police to fight off an attempted overnight attack on an affluent hillside suburb of Port-au-Prince, police said.

1 min

UN voting again on Gaza ceasefire; US plans unclear

The UN Security Council is expected to vote Wednesday on another draft resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza in its latest attempt to exert pressure to end the war.

1 min

HK tycoon tells court he championed 'freedom'

Jailed Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai insisted his newspaper had championed democracy and \"freedom\" as he took the witness stand yesterday for the first time in his trial for collusion with foreign forces.

1 min

Spain to regularize thousands more migrants per year

Spain's leftwing government on Tuesday announced an immigration law reform regularizing tens of thousands more migrants per year, in a fresh contrast to harsher policies elsewhere in Europe.

1 min

Trump joins Musk to watch Starship test launch

SpaceX flew its latest test flight of its Starship megarocket on Tuesday, with US president-elect Donald Trump joining Elon Musk to witness the spectacle firsthand in the latest sign of their ever closer ties.

1 min

Maroons send Red Warriors in limbo

Final Four-bound University of the Philippines made it a harder route for the skidding University of the East with a 77-67 win in the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball yesterday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

1 min

Tatum stars as Celtics stop Cavaliers

Jayson Tatum scored 33 points as the Boston Celtics ended the Cleveland Cavaliers' 15-game unbeaten start to the season with a hard-fought 120-117 victory on Tuesday.

1 min

GILAS READY, MOTIVATED

NATS OUT TO ZERO IN ON OUTRIGHT ASIA CUP SPOT

2 mins

Rich prizes at stake in Orchard Founders Cup

A bonanza of prizes worth at least P10 million are up for grabs in the 26th edition of the Founders Cup Invitational member-guest tournament presented by Sta. Lucia Land, Inc. which gets going tomorrow at the Palmer and Player courses of the Orchard Golf and Country Club in Dasmariñas, Cavite.

1 min

Wild rumble looms in ICTSI Match Play

In a departure from traditional stroke play, the country's top professional golfers will battle it out in a high-stakes knockout format at the ICTSI The Country Club Match Play Invitational, which unwraps Tuesday at the challenging TCC layout in Laguna.

1 min

Suzara named FIVB executive vice president

Ramon \"Tats\" Suzara was elected president of the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) only last September and just over the weekend was named executive vice president (EVP) of the sport's world governing body, the International Volleyball Federation or FIVB.

1 min

Nadal emotional in bidding professional tennis farewell

Rafael Nadal bit his lower lip and his reddened eyes welled with tears as he stood alongside his Davis Cup teammates for Spain's national anthem Tuesday before what he- and everyone - knew might be the last match of his career.

1 min

BOI fast-tracks P4.46 T investments via green lane

The Board of Investments (BOI) has certified 167 projects worth P4.46 trillion for green lane processing as of November.

2 mins

BOP reverts to deficit

The country's balance of payments (BOP) position swung to a deficit of $724 million in October, ending three straight months of surplus, as the national government settled more foreign currency debt obligations, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

1 min

'Inflation pressures may prompt BSP to pause'

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas could hold rates steady next month if inflation pressures intensify, but it could also further lower borrowing costs to support sluggish growth, according to BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr.

1 min

PSEI extends winning streak, peso hits 2-year low

Share prices sustained its rally, extending the market's climb to a fourth consecutive session yesterday behind continued investor optimism on the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas' potential rate cut.

1 min

Globe's Asticom teams up with global pioneer in voice AI technology

The Globe Group's Asticom Technology Inc., a digitalfirst shared services and outsourcing provider, has teamed up with a global pioneer in voice artificial intelligence (AI) technology to transform customer experiences in the Philippines.

1 min

Alsons income sizzles in Jan-Sept

The prudent cost management of Alcantara-led Alsons Consolidated Resources Inc. (ACR) has been paying off so far, seeing stronger earnings as of end-September.

1 min

MVP targets higher Meralco capex for 2025

Tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan expects Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) to increase its capital spending for 2025, seeing another banner year amid a robust economic outlook.

2 mins

FILRT targets to boost occupancy rate to 95%

(FILRT), the listed real estate investment trust of the Filinvest Group, targets to beef up significantly the occupancy rate of its office leasing assets next year.

2 mins

Cebu's AppleOne is Phl's top 7th developer

Cebu's homegrown developer, AppleOne Properties Inc., was named the country's 7th leading developer by pipeline keys in the recent Philippine Property Market Report of Leechiu Property Consultants.

1 min

EEI to raise P2 B via private placement

Listed construction giant EEI Corp. is raising P2 billion via the issuance of preferred shares to bolster the company's balance sheet and fund future projects.

1 min

PEZA approves 3 new projects worth P98.4 M

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) has approved three projects with combined investments of P98.43 million in renewable energy, manufacturing and information technology (IT).

1 min

DTI slaps anti-dumping duties on Thai gypsum boards

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has ordered the imposition of temporary anti-dumping duties on gypsum board imports from Thailand used for walls, ceilings and partitions, saying these products are hurting the local industry.

1 min

CDC, TESDA partner for innovation center in Clurk

The government is strengthening its efforts to equip Filipinos with industry-relevant skills through a partnership between Clark Development Corp. (CDC) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

1 min

Customer satisfaction is PLDT Group's top priority - MVP

The PLDT Group has reaffirmed its commitment to raising the bar when it comes to customer service.

1 min

Vivant unit secures supply deal from PALECO

Vivant Corp., a listed energy and water conglomerate, has secured a multiyear supply contract with Palawan Electric Cooperative (PALECO) to meet the rising power demand on the island province.

1 min

Advocating for sustainable animal welfare

A positive, noticeable shift in the attitude of Filipinos toward animal welfare is palpable and more evident in recent years—a movement that I hope will lead to lasting, systemic change.

3 mins

SEC intensifies efforts to boost financial literacy

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is intensifying efforts to address gaps in understanding of financial management among Filipinos.

1 min

First Gen completes new LNG cargo delivery

Lopez-led First Gen Corp. has received its fifth shipment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Singapore-based Shell Eastern Trading Pte. Ltd.

1 min

EastWest looking to sustain growth momentum in 2025

East West Banking Corp. is looking to sustain its current growth momentum in the fourth quarter and next year, focusing on long-term consistency, loan expansion and operational efficiency.

2 mins

CREATE MORE and Trump tax, spending cut plan

The Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE), signed into law last Nov. 11, is another good law pushed by the Department of Finance (DOF) and the economic team.

4 mins

'Rice tariff may revert to 35% if peso strengthens vs dollar'

The government may consider reverting rice tariffs to its previous rate of 35 percent if the peso strengthens below the 57 to $1 level, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said.

1 min

Pru Life maintains lead in annualized premiums

Pru Life UK continued to lead the insurance industry in terms of new business annualized premium equivalent (NBAPE) in the third quarter amid strong market presence.

1 min

Wells Fargo Phl marks 13 years as key global hub

As Wells Fargo Philippines celebrates its 13th year, the organization continues to evolve as a vital strategic hub for Wells Fargo's global operations.

1 min

EU 'Pathways to Excellence' starts at EHEF 2024

Robinsons Galleria is the official venue of the forthcoming European Higher Education Fair (EHEF) 2024 which is presented in conjunction with the European Union to the Philippines and the European Union Member States' Embassies.

1 min

BSP to complete GCash probe next month

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) expects to complete its investigation over unauthorized deductions on digital payments provider GCash by midDecember.

1 min

More incentives for local auto makers sought

The government is pushing for the passage of a bill that seeks to strengthen local vehicle manufacturing by providing increased support.

1 min

PEZA investment approvals hit P186 B

Investments approved by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) reached over P186 billion from January to November, surpassing last year's total and keeping the investment promotion agency on track to hit its P200 billion investment approvals target for the year.

1 min

ON MISS UNIVERSE, OHELSEA,

SINCE I GREW UP IN showbiz, I hardly get starstruck. But when I met Michael Cinco or MC in Dubai, I turned into a fangirl.

4 mins

'Tis the season for holiday albums, from Jennifer Hudson to Toby Keith and Jimmy Fallon

It's not the holiday season until the house is full of festive music, from classics to covers and reimaginations across genres, for all to enjoy.

3 mins

'GRAND BINIverse' DELIVERS WORLD-CLASS PRODUCTION

It wasn’t just a show.

3 mins

#SMthing Magical is Coming to GH Mall!

Shop the stories you love at Disney Store's first pop-up in the Philippines

1 min

D'ABOVILLE FOUNDATION CHAMPIONS TAMARAW CONSERVATION IN MINDORO ISLAND

D'Aboville Foundation and Demo Farm, Inc. (DAF), headed by its president and founder Hubert d'Aboville, celebrated its 20th anniversary at the Alliance Française de Manille last Nov. 13 in the presence of the UK Ambassador Laure Beaufils, the French Ambassador Marie Fontanel, Senator Cynthia Villar and Dr. Neric Acosta.

1 min

BEAUTIFUL BRISBANE

Filipinos now have more options to get to Australia with their national carrier Qantas launching new nonstop flights to Brisbane, Queensland.

3 mins

GIVING THANKS WITH SMOKED TURKEY

You know you’re in for a different kind of treat once you enter The Smokeyard. Here, the aroma of smoked meat permeates the air.

3 mins

HOLIDAY COCKTAILS WITH HENDRICK'S GIN

Hendrick’s Gin takes center stage at Bizarre, Poblacion in Makati with an exclusive holiday cocktail degustation running every Wednesday until December.

1 min

THE MORE LOVE SHARED, THE MERRIER AT ITALIANNI'S

They say that the fondest memories are made when gathered around a table.

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.