The Philippine Star - November 29, 2024

In this issue

November 29, 2024

Bato: Nothing seditious in Rody's call for military action

Sen. Ronald dela Rosa finds nothing seditious in former president Rodrigo Duterte's call for the military to step in and fix the \"fractured governance\" of President Marcos.

1 min

NEDA downplays political noise

Despite controversies rocking the political landscape, investors will remain upbeat about the Philippine economy as long as the government sustains key policies and remains focused on attaining growth targets, according to the National Economic and Development Authority.

2 mins

No postponement of NBI probe on Sara today

The National Bureau of Investigation is pushing through with its probe today on Vice President Sara Duterte's threat to have President Marcos, the First Lady and Speaker Martin Romualdez assassinated, even if she does not show up, NBI Director Jaime Santiago said yesterday.

2 mins

7 Stolen insurrection records rescued from eBay

Seven stolen historical documents have been rescued from eBay and have finally come home to the National Library of the Philippines where they belong.

4 mins

Witness vs Davao Group in quad comm custody

Businessman Mark Taguba, one of three people convicted for smuggling P6.4 billion worth of shabu in 2017, has been placed under the custody of the quad committee of the House of Representatives due to \"serious threats\" on his life.

6 mins

DTI: No price increase on basic goods until yearend

Prices of basic goods are expected to remain stable until the end of the year, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

1 min

CELEBRATING A LIFE CHANGED BY LUCK

BINGOPLUS AWARDS ITS BIGGEST JACKPOT WINNER TO DATE

2 mins

Christmas typhoons up 210%

A study conducted by Filipino scientists showed that the number of typhoons during Yuletide has significantly increased by 210 percent since 2012, while the 15-day heat waves experienced during the onslaught of El Niño could happen every two years amid the impact of climate change.

1 min

Chinese vessels swarm Pag-asa Island, Phl Navy confirms

The Philippine Navy confirmed yesterday that dozens of Chinese military, coast guard and maritime militia vessels continue to swarm and stay in Subi Reef near Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) which China, through a man-made artificial island, has turned into a fully operational naval base.

3 mins

Phl named world's top dive destination

The Philippines once again won as the \"world's leading dive destination\" for 2024 at the World Travel Awards, the sixth so far for the country, the Department of Tourism (DOT) announced.

1 min

NEDA: Targets achievable without new taxes

President Marcos wants to ensure that his administration's priority projects for next year will be funded so that development targets are reached, a goal which the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said could be achieved without raising new taxes.

1 min

High-tech threats to polls tackled

Ranking officials of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Philippine National Police (PNP), National Citizens' Movement for Free Elections and leading digital experts from India, Singapore, the United States and the Philippines convened at the National Election Game Changer Summit on Nov. 25 to 27 to address the rising threats of artificial intelligence (AI), deepfakes and misinformation in the 2025 elections.

1 min

Online trolls flood AFP social media

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has disabled comments on its official Facebook page, citing a barrage of alleged troll accounts over the past few days.

1 min

PNP defends cops in Lopez transfer

Police officers being threatened with kidnapping and robbery charges by Vice President Sara Duterte \"were simply executing a lawful directive from the House of Representatives\" when they helped move her chief of staff Zuleika Lopez from St. Luke's Medical Center to Veterans Memorial Medical Center last Nov. 23, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said yesterday.

1 min

Comelec chief inhibits from Erice poll case

Commission on Elections Chairman George Garcia has inhibited from the cases filed with the Comelec against former Caloocan representative Edgar Erice.

1 min

Quiboloy's first night in Pasig jail 'normal' - BJMP

Alleged child sex offender Apollo Quiboloy's first night at the Pasig City Jail passed without any untoward incident, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) said yesterday.

1 min

Pinoy 'casino scammer' deported from Indonesia

A fugitive casino junket operator has been turned over to Philippine authorities following his deportation from Indonesia.

1 min

Fire leaves 1,500 people homeless in Manila

Following a massive blaze that destroyed about 1,000 shanties in Tondo, a nearly nine-hour fire left around 1,500 people homeless and two injured in Sta.Cruz, Manila yesterday.

1 min

LTO online transactions up 20%

Online transactions in the Land Transportation Office have increased to 20 percent as the LTO goes full steam toward digitalization.

1 min

Vintage bomb found near NAIA

A vintage bomb was found on a road near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 in Pasay yesterday.

1 min

Eyes on the bicam

The last time the bicameral conference committee of the legislature hammered out the reconciled version of the General Appropriations Act for 2024, a provision was inserted to finance the latest incarnation of the congressional pork barrel, the unprogrammed appropriations.

1 min

Sleepy driving

Instead of writing about the intensifying political brawl among the folks who used to be as thick as thieves, I decided to write an article on another problem that has long bedeviled our nation.

4 mins

Paradise: Lost and found

The original title to this piece was supposed to be \"Crabs cursing themselves\" in reference to the Filipino term \"crab mentality,\" depicting Filipinos like crabs that pull each other down in an attempt to climb over others to escape from the pot.

3 mins

Breaking the back of 'fixers' culture

If there is one impactful benefit to come out of the government's digitalization program, it is breaking the back of the \"fixer\" culture.

4 mins

Retired generals demand justice for slain fellow, not coup d'état

VP Sara Duterte can take if from Choy's tweet: \"Ku'ng ako yu'ng assassin na kausap ni Sara, gagawin ko pa ba ang patrabaho niya ku'ng patay na siya? Sino na ang magbabayad sa akin? At ku'ng patay na siya pero bayad na ako, bakit ko pa gagawin ang patrabaho niya?\" Though not a fan of Sara, Choy's words can be the VP's new alibi of \"impractical death threat.\"

3 mins

A matter of security

In an interview, AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. clarified with reporters that the Armed Forces received a subpoena from the Philippine National Police (PNP) informing that they will be conducting an investigation on the members of the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG) and they will be temporarily replaced by new personnel from both the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the PNP.

2 mins

Substantial distinction

This case is about RA 9262, which involves a husband and father who raised the issue of whether he violates the guaranty of equal protection of the law, considering that it is intended to prevent and criminalize spousal and child abuse which could be committed by either the husband or the wife.

3 mins

DA expands ASF vaccine drive

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has expanded the coverage of the African swine fever (ASF) vaccine program to fast-track the inoculation of and protect more pigs nationwide.

1 min

Phreatic eruption recorded at Taal Volcano

A minor phreatic eruption was recorded at Taal volcano yesterday morning, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported.

1 min

Richard Gomez proposes Western Leyte province

Rep. Richard Gomez has filed a bill proposing to create Western Leyte province.

1 min

Zuckerberg dines with Trump in Mar-a-Lago

Donald Trump dined on Wednesday with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg at the president-elect's Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, bringing together the Facebook founder and the former president who was once banned from that social network.

1 min

Israel-Hezbollah truce holds; displaced Lebanese begin journey home

BEIRUT (Reuters) – A ceasefire between Israel and Lebanese armed group Hezbollah held on Wednesday under a deal brokered by the US and France as people in both countries began returning to homes in the border area shattered by 14 months of fighting.

1 min

Phl: State of Indo-Pacific concerns us all

The Philippines underscored that the state of the Indo-Pacific concerns the entire world, reiterating the country is steadfast in promoting international law and diplomacy.

1 min

Pope's weekly audiences to be translated into Mandarin

Pope Francis said that his teachings at his weekly general audience at the Vatican would also be translated into Mandarin starting next week.

1 min

HIV activist to use Charlize Theron's Instagram for a day

GENEVA (AFP) - A young South African activist living with HIV will take over Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron's Instagram account on World AIDS Day, the United Nations said on Thursday.

1 min

ICC prosecutor seeks arrest warrant for Myanmar junta chief

The International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor on Wednesday asked judges to grant an arrest warrant for Myanmar's junta chief Min Aung Hlaing over alleged crimes against humanity committed against Rohingya Muslims.

1 min

3 dead in SoKor heavy snowfall

Heavy snowfall blanketed South Korea for a second consecutive day yesterday, resulting in three deaths overall and disrupting flights and ferry services, authorities said.

1 min

Rho stops Depilo, Mikha on cusp of crown

Hyun Ho Rho staged a dramatic comeback to claim the first semifinal berth in the ICTSI The Country Club Match Play Invitational, edging Rico Depilo on the 19th hole in a pulsating quarterfinal duel at the TCC course here on Thursday.

1 min

Smart/MVPSF Phl jins vie in World Poomsae Championships

Asian Games veteran Patrick King Perez banners a 36-strong Smart/MVPSF Philippine team that will see action in the 2024 World Poomsae Taekwondo Championships slated Nov. 30 to Dec. 4 in Hong Kong.

1 min

Quezon spikers complete MPVA Cinderella run

Quezon conquered the Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association (MPVA) right in its first season, sweeping Biñan Tatak Gel 1-Pacman Partylist in the finals on Wednesday night at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena.

1 min

Mixed NBA predictions

The three publications that make dutifully-studied NBA predictions came up with mixed forecasts before this season started, creating a situation of unpredictability.

2 mins

ZUS Coffee roars to 2nd straight victory

ZUS Coffee is making noise like a roaring thunder.

1 min

NORTHPORT BUCKS FLAT START VS NLEX

Buried to a 16-point hole in the first nine minutes, NorthPort reversed its situation by putting the clamps on NLEX the rest of the way.

1 min

Fil Am Golf unwraps

The seniors competition of the 74th Januarius Fil Am Invitational starts today at the Baguio Country Club and Camp John Hay courses with focus on other divisions outside of the premier championship.

1 min

Masato Kanda named new ADB president

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has elected Masato Kanda as the multilateral lender's 11th president.

1 min

Big cuts to nat'l debt unlikely, says Treasury

An aggressive cut in the country's debt-to-gross domestic product (GDP) ratio to pre-pandemic levels is impractical given the need to sustain public investments, according to the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr).

1 min

JAZA only Pinoy in inaugural Leaders50 list

Ayala Corp. chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala has been recognized as one of the 50 most inspiring and exceptional leaders in the world.

1 min

Stocks extend losing streak amid lack of catalysts

Local stocks plunged anew on lack of major catalysts to buck macroeconomic concerns locally and abroad.

1 min

BEVi Asia Pacific Wins Big at Asian Export Awards 2024

BEVi Asia Pacific, Inc. has been recognized as a trailblazer in the personal care industry, securing the Philippines Market Development of the Year award in the Personal Care Category at the Asian Export Awards 2024.

3 mins

ACEN infuses fresh P12 M capital to Paddak Energy

Ayala-led ACEN Corp. is injecting a multimillion-peso investment into its subsidiary Paddak Energy Corp. to bolster the latter's operations in the Philippines.

1 min

Toyota rolls out next-gen Tamaraw

The country's leading automotive player is banking on the next generation Tamaraw to be among its top-selling vehicles as it aims to sell at least 1,500 units of the comeback model per month.

1 min

NEDA to submit proposal on lower rice tariff

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is eyeing to submit its recommendation on the reduced rice tariff today as it continues to undertake efforts to ensure access to the staple despite external factors that can influence its prices.

2 mins

2 rural banks merge, 1 ordered closed

The Philippine rural banking sector saw numerous regulatory actions in recent months, as two rural banks have consolidated their operations while one lender was ordered to close shop.

1 min

Manulife unit offers new UITF product

A wholly owned subsidiary of Manulife Philippines has launched a unit investment trust fund (UITF) that aims to offer high-quality, low-volatility income opportunities by tapping into the best sources of income across the global fixed-income universe.

1 min

Palay production cost falls below P14/kilo

The average palay production cost last year dropped by almost 11 percent on an annual basis to below P14 per kilo, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

2 mins

The lesser evil?

Supporters of VP Sara are castigating the Yellows and the Pinks on social media for just watching this fight between the former UniTeam partners.

4 mins

Globe inks P3-B loan with BPI

Globe Telecom Inc. has secured P3 billion in fresh financing to support its growth and pay obligations.

1 min

GSIS P/GM Veloso is new ASSA chairperson

The ASEAN Social Security Association (ASSA) has elected Government Service Insurance System president and general manager Jose Arnulfo Veloso as its new chairperson.

2 mins

Landbank launches loan facility for emergencies

Government-owned Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank) is introducing a new loan facility aimed at offering financial assistance to pensioners and government employees particularly for emergency expenses.

1 min

Meralco, KEPCO partner to boost smart meter use

Power distributor Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), chaired by tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan, has teamed up with the largest electric utility in South Korea to empower consumers and improve grid reliability.

1 min

Golden MV renames to Villar Land Holdings

Tycoon Manuel Villar Jr.'s Golden MV Holdings Inc. has changed its corporate name to Villar Land Holdings Corp. to align with the company's recent acquisitions.

1 min

Top Phl banks no longer keen on financing coal power plants

At least four top domestic banks have reiterated their policies of not supporting additional coal plants in the country.

2 mins

CHERY AUTO PHILIPPINES @ 5: REENTRY DONE RIGHT

When Chery Auto, a prominent Chinese automotive brand, re-entered the Philippine market under the stewardship of United Asia Automotive Group, Inc. (UAAGI) in 2019, expectations were cautiously optimistic.

4 mins

Chery picking perks with Chery Auto Philippines

Everyone likes a good comeback story. We cheered for Michael Jordan's return to the Chicago Bulls, which resulted in three more NBA Championships for the team.

4 mins

Small wonder-The new Chery Tiggo 2 Pro

The sub-P900,000 crossover SUV category is one of the most competitive segments in the auto industry.

3 mins

Newsweek names new Bentley Continental GT Speed to 'Most Anticipated' list

International media giant Newsweek has spotlighted Bentley's illustrious legacy of crafting excellent grand touring cars with contemporary, exquisite designs by voting the 2025 Bentley Continental GT Speed to its selection of Most Anticipated New Vehicles.

1 min

Honda Civic RS e:HEV first drive: A complete package

Honda has finally brought the much-awaited hybrid version of the Civic to the Philippines, and we recently got behind the wheel of the Honda Civic RS e:HEV, along with other members of the motoring press.

3 mins

A celebration of craftsmanship and holiday cheer

Lexus Philippines will host a special Holiday Pop-Up at Lexus Mitsukoshi, BGC, from November 30 to December 1. This festive event brings the spirit of the season to life through carefully curated workshops and indulgent holiday-inspired treats, blending creativity, sustainability, and family connections.

1 min

EMILY WATSON AND OLIVIA WILLIAMS TALK ABOUT REAL-LIFE SISTERHOOD IN 'DUNE: PROPHECY'

BRITISH STARS EMILY WATSON AND OLIVIA WILLIAMS have joined forces in Max's \"Dune: Prophecy,\" the prequel series to the blockbuster \"Dune\" movies with deeper themes of women in power and the influence they're capable of wielding.

5 mins

Newcomer John Arcenas portrays April Boy in 'Idol' biopic

The title role in \"Idol,\" the true-to-life film of singing star April Boy Regino, did not land on a silver platter in the lap of young acting upstart John Arcenas.

2 mins

JOHN ESTRADA AND PRISCILLA MEIRELLES 'REUNITE'

If a picture paints a thousand words, then the family picture of my good friends, John Estrada and Priscilla Meirelles, speaks volumes.

3 mins

EXO's Chen wraps up 'Beyond the Door' tour with grateful Pinoy fans

Stars aligned for EXO's Chen and Filipino EXO-Ls as the K-pop idol got to spread joy through his \"Beyond the Door\" Asia fan concert on Nov. 23 at the New Frontier Theater.

2 mins

K-pop fans take aim at CD, merch waste

SEOUL, South Korea -K-pop fan Kim Na-Yeon used to buy stacks of the same album when there was a new release, hoping to find one of the rare selfies of her favorite stars tucked between the plastic covers.

1 min

THE ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS CRAWL AT KULTURA

The holidays have caught up with us again. The year has flown by and Christmas is right at our doorstep.

5 mins

SM brings joy to Beneficiaries of 'Christmas in November'

For beneficiaries in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, Christmas came early as the Senate Spouses Foundation Inc. (SSFI), supported by SM, conducted its annual \"Christmas in November\" project in these three regions.

1 min

GIFTS WRAPPED IN KINDNESS

What makes the perfect Christmas gift?

1 min

Travel in style, comfort with Allbirds

Millennials and Gen Z members both view travel as an essential part of life.

3 mins

10 YEARS OF STYLE AND CRAFTSMANSHIP WITH CRATE AND BARREL

Crate and Barrel Philippines recently commemorated 10 years of style and craftsmanship with a Thanks giving-inspired gathering at SM Aura Premier.

2 mins

EXPERIENCE A JAPANESE CHRISTMAS AT MITSUKOSHI BGC

The allure of experiencing Christmas in Japan captivates the hearts of Filipinos.

5 mins

REIMAGINE THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH ESPRIT

Step into a world of vibrant colors and high-quality clothing this holiday season with Esprit.

1 min

Kenny Rogers Roasters Launches Its CHEESIEST Offering Yet - Four Cheese Roast

Kenny Rogers Roasters, renowned for its signature roasted chicken, is taking the flavor experience to the next level with its latest culinary innovation—the Four Cheese Roast.

1 min

ITALY'S ICONIC VENCHI CHOCOGELATERIA NOW IN THE PHILIPPINES

The Italian art of living comes to the heart of Manila with Venchi's exquisite chocolates and gelato.

1 min

FOR PRESENTS WITH A PRESENCE

Gucci brings festive cheer to the holiday rush with cruise and gifting collection

1 min

AN ENCHANTING CAROUSEL ADVENTURE AT LOUIS VUITTON

Louis Vuitton takes you on an enchanted carousel ride with its latest holiday campaign.

1 min

AUSTRALIAN GOODS JUST A HOP, SKIP AND JUMP AWAY IN MANILA

Marie Kondo's influence on home organization wasn't just a passing trend. Look around Manila today: Professional organizers transform cluttered condos into efficient spaces, while social media feeds showcase perfectly arranged shelves and aesthetic storage solutions. As more people move into condos, the need for intelligent, beautiful home solutions has never been greater.

3 mins

MODERN FILIPINIANA MADE FRESH AND FUN BY HAPPY ANDRADA

A music festival is a curious place to launch a fashion collection, but as the eclectic percussions and enchanting vocals from Pinoy power world music band Anima Tierra echoed through the auditorium at the BGC Arts Center, Happy Andrada's collection similarly embodied the beauty and energy of modern Filipiniana and looked right at home.

3 mins

WHY MOVING ABROAD STRENGTHENED MY CONNECTION TO THE PHILIPPINES

There's this fear that I'll suddenly become ignorant of the things going on back home and that a lack of knowledge will mean I'm turning my back on the Philippines.

3 mins

ST. VINCENT WILL PUMMEL THEN CONSOLE YOUR HEART

Annie Clark has long been a master shapeshifter, embodying a variety of characters and sounds, each with its own distinct quality and story. Under her St. Vincent moniker, Clark has amassed an impressive career, from Grammy wins to headlining the Hollywood Bowl.

2 mins

RAVENOUS FOR RENZ REYES

It's the first day of Renz Reyes' solo pop-up debut. For three full days, the fashion community is set to experience an exclusive Renz Reyes display at the multi-brand boutique Comme Çi in Power Plant Mall.

3 mins

My Pinoy Thanksgiving table

Happy Thanksgiving! Let me begin this column by sharing this reflection, which was posted in my high school Viber group, CTTO: Make each day your own beautiful work of art.

3 mins

The distance between sky & soul reveals 'there's no Planet B'

The sea and the sky, distinct and apart, become one as two contemporary artists depict both subjects with a clear message.

3 mins

ORTIGAS LAND'S RESIDENCES AT THE GALLEON: A GAME-CHANGER FOR GOLF ENTHUSIASTS

With its strategic location near Wack Wack Golf and Country Club and the Asian Development Bank, Residences at The Galleon is poised to attract golf enthusiasts, including expatriates and professionals who appreciate the convenience of practicing their swing just steps from home.

2 mins

Ortigas is your holiday wonderland

During Christmas, Ortigas transforms into a magical haven that offers a unique blend of urban energy and holiday charm.

2 mins

Transforming PH retail scene: More experiential, less transactional

Colliers believes that mall operators and retailers need to cash in on the festive season and seize greater spending across the country.

3 mins

ABOITIZ LAND MARKS 30TH YEAR WITH PRESTIGIOUS WINS AT THE OUTLOOK 2024

Aboitiz Land celebrates another milestone as it emerges victorious at The Outlook 2024: Philippine Real Estate Awards, held on November 21, 2024, at ShangriLa The Fort, Manila.

1 min

Island life, city convenience: discover the many reasons to reside in Cebu

Through the years, Cebu has maintained its popularity as a top property hotspot outside of Metro Manila.

2 mins

Serene living in San Juan, Batangas

Being able to live close to nature is a luxury in itself. Feeling the breeze by the sea while hearing the calm waves crash is a healing experience that washes away the worries of our busy lives momentarily.

2 mins

SUCCESS WITHIN REACH: WHY MANILA IS EVERY LEARNER'S HOME

Manila, often referred to as the \"Heart of Education\" in the Philippines, is the go-to place for education of students from all over the country chasing their dreams.

2 mins

Discover Terreno South's New Community Park at "Merry Moments at the Park"

Terreno South, Rockwell's first residential development in Lipa, Batangas, located at MK Lina St., Lipa, Batangas, is a 46-hectare horizontal community where urban convenience meets natural serenity.

2 mins

SMDC at 20: Transforming the Filipino dream of homeownership

BUILDING DREAMS, ONE HOME AT A TIME

2 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.