The Philippine Star - December 11, 2024

In this issue

December 11, 2024

10 retired, active execs to face POGO, EJK raps

The quad committee of the House of Representatives will recommend charges against 10 retired and active government officials for their alleged involvement in Philippine offshore and gaming operators POGOs), extrajudicial killings EJKs) and illegal drugs, quad comm chairman Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said yesterday.

3 mins

Evacuation underway as Phivolcs warns of stronger Kanlaon eruptions

About 87,000 residents living within the six-kilometer danger zone of Mount Kanlaon on Negros Island were being evacuated yesterday, a day after the volcano briefly erupted with a towering ash plume and superhot streams of gas and debris hurtling down its western slopes.

4 mins

Sandigan junks coco levy case vs Marcoses, others

Acting on the Presidential Commission on Good Government's request, the Sandiganbayan has dismissed the government's damage claims against the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos Sr., former first lady Imelda Marcos, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile and the late businessman Eduardo \"Danding\" Cojuangco Jr. in connection with the alleged misuse of the Coconut Industry Investment Fund (CIIF),

2 mins

Imee: No part in Escudero ouster bid

Sen. Imee Marcos has dismissed as \"fake news\" allegations of her involvement in a supposed plot to oust Senate President Francis Escudero and replace him with Sen. Cynthia Villar, noting that Congress has only four session days left before it goes on Christmas break.

1 min

Manny Villar back among Forbes Asia's 'Heroes of Philanthropy'

Tycoon and former Senate president Manuel Villar Jr. has returned to Forbes Asia's annual Heroes of Philanthropy list.

1 min

1,992 more names in OVP fund need verification

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) may have to verify the authenticity of 1,992 more names being linked to P500-million confidential funds allegedly misused by Vice President Sara Duterte.

3 mins

Marcos rules out warship deployment to WPS

The Philippines will never be part of the escalation of tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), President Marcos declared yesterday as he rejected the deployment of Navy warships despite China's persistent aggression within Philippine waters.

3 mins

Meralco rates going up this month

Power distributor Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) is increasing its electricity rate by P0.1048 per kilowatt hour in December, bringing the overall rate to P11.9617 per kWh from last month's P11.8569 per kWh.

1 min

Speed up IRR for Agri Tariffication Act amendments

Speaker Martin Romualdez urged the Department of Agriculture (DA) and other relevant agencies yesterday to expedite the drafting of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the amendments to the Agricultural Tariffication Act, which was signed into law by President Marcos last Monday.

1 min

'Cartels to blame for high rice prices'

Despite lower tariff, rice prices have remained high due to price manipulation by cartels and unscrupulous businessmen, a finance official said yesterday at a legislative hearing on alleged anomalies in the supply and distribution of the commodity.

3 mins

Tolentino hails LGUs as 'bedrock of nat'l dev't'

Senate Majority Floor Leader Francis Tolentino yesterday hailed the recipients of this year's Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), as he acknowledged the role of local government units (LGUs) as the \"bedrock of national development.\"

1 min

Food innovations

In this season of feasting, it's noteworthy that the government has announced that it would be rolling out a noodle that is OK for diabetics.

4 mins

Kuwentong chichiria

People snickered when President Marcos lamented that instead of answering valid questions about public fund utilization, the issue was diverted to cheap talk or \"kwentong chichiria.\"

2 mins

Congress: Weapon of mass distraction

A young American was shot and killed in Sibuco, Zamboanga after a failed kidnapping attempt.

4 mins

Syrians also have Israel to thank for their liberation

Things could still go badly for Syria following the abrupt downfall of Bashar Assad on Saturday and the end of 54 years of ruinous Assad family rule.

2 mins

Now they have time

It was bountiful harvest, metaphorically speaking, with three landmark laws recently produced by the 19th Congress.

4 mins

Something fishy at the DPWH

THE CORNER ORACLE

4 mins

BBM gave confidential funds; Sara used it as 'secret kitty'

Confidential funds at first melded the Bongbong Marcos and Sara Duterte political dynasties. It later melted their unity.

3 mins

Dawn masses outside churches allowed if...

The traditional Simbang Gabi or dawn masses will be allowed to be celebrated in offices and other venues provided that organizers are able to secure permission from the Archdiocese of Manila (RCAM).

1 min

QC crimes down 13.9%

Crime incidents in Quezon City dropped by 13.91 percent in the past two months, police reported yesterday.

1 min

2 surrogacy trafficking victims intercepted at NAIA

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) recently stopped two alleged illegal surrogacy trafficking victims from traveling to Georgia.

1 min

300 correctional inmates get legal, medical aid

Over 300 inmates of the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong received legal and medical assistance last week, according to the Department of Justice.

1 min

TNVS surge fees, canceled rides hit

Amid numerous complaints from passengers over ride cancellations, Sen. Raffy Tulfo yesterday criticized ride-hailing giant Grab Philippines and other transportation network companies (TNC).

1 min

Marcos wants P20,000 incentive for teachers

Recognizing their crucial role in molding the youth, President Marcos wants higher incentives for public school teachers.

1 min

PNRI: Uranium may be used to create ‘dirty bombs’

The powdered form of the depleted uranium recently confiscated by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) may be used to create \"dirty bombs,\" the head of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) said yesterday.

1 min

Marcos inaugurates NLEX Candaba 3rd Viaduct

President Marcos yesterday inaugurated the P7.8-billion Candaba 3rd Viaduct of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), which will ease and cut travel between Metro Manila, Northern and Central Luzon.

2 mins

CAAP preparing for travelers' influx

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines has intensified operational readiness in all 44 CAAP-managed airports to address the expected surge in passenger traffic during the Yuletide season.

1 min

BBM honors Ople at cancer facility groundbreaking

President Marcos yesterday paid tribute to the late migrant workers secretary Susan Ople as he led the groundbreaking of the Bagong Pilipinas Cancer Care Center at the Overseas Filipino Workers' Hospital in San Fernando, Pampanga.

1 min

Speed up promulgation of kalayaan, SC asked

A support organization for families of political prisoners has asked the Supreme Court (SC) to hasten the promulgation of the writ of kalayaan as a Christmas gift to and to affirm the rights and dignity of prisoners.

1 min

Netanyahu takes stand in his corruption trial

Israel PM faces bribery, fraud, breach of trust charges

1 min

'Emilia Perez' leads Golden Globe nominations with 10

Jacques Audiard's audacious musical \"Emilia Perez,\" about a Mexican drug lord who undergoes gender-affirming surgery, led nominations to the 82nd Golden Globes on Monday, scoring 10 nods to lead it over other contenders like the musical smash \"Wicked,\" the papal thriller \"Conclave\" and the postwar epic \"The Brutalist.\"

1 min

Taiwan says China carrying out huge maritime deployment

China is deploying dozens of ships in its biggest maritime mobilization around Taiwan in years, Taipei said yesterday, after Beijing voiced fury at Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's recent visit to the United States.

1 min

TikTok hires ex-Trump lawyer ahead of SC appeal

TikTok and its Chinese owner ByteDance have turned to a veteran US Supreme Court lawyer as they prepare to ask the justices to block a law that could ban the popular short video platform in the United States.

1 min

Syria rebel leader vows to pursue former officials for torture

Syria's Islamist rebel leader yesterday vowed to pursue former senior government officials responsible for torture and war crimes, a day after he began talks on the transfer of power following President Bashar al-Assad's ouster.

1 min

Canada's Trudeau survives third no-confidence vote

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government yesterday survived a third vote of no confidence in as many months, brought by his main Tory rival.

1 min

A LIFE CHANGED BY A WIN

Here's the story of BingoPlus' biggest jackpot winner

2 mins

Suspect in killing of CEO charged with murder

New York prosecutors filed a murder charge against the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealth chief executive Brian Thompson, a brazen shooting that set off a manhunt that culminated in his capture in Pennsylvania earlier on Dec. 9.

1 min

Suspect in CEO's murder: Brainy, normal guy

The suspect in the high-profile killing of a health insurance CEO that has gripped the United States graduated from an Ivy League university, reportedly hails from a wealthy family, and wrote social media posts brimming with cerebral musings.

1 min

South Korea slaps travel bans on more top officials

SEOUL (AFP) - South Korean authorities banned more top officials from leaving the country yesterday, Yonhap reported, in the wake of President Yoon Suk-yeol's bungled attempt to impose martial law.

1 min

Angels shrug off poor start, beat PLDT Hitters

Petro Gazz banked heavily on its three-headed battering ram of Brooke Van Sickle, Myla Pablo and Jonah Sabete as it smashed PLDT, 12-25, 25-14, 25-22, 25-20, yesterday to stay at No. 3 in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena.

1 min

NorthPort makes waves

SPORTING CHANCE

2 mins

EASTERN DRUBS BLACKWATER

New import, same winning performance for guest team Eastern.

1 min

Mathay fires 40 as Januarius sets pace with hot 149

BAGUIO - With a balanced attack, led by Jet Mathay's outstanding 40 points, Januarius Private Equity scored a spectacular 149 points to vault into a 10-point lead at the start of the Fil Championship in the 74th Januarius Fil Am Invitational at Camp John Hay.

1 min

Magsayo pursues title shot

Former WBC featherweight champion Mark Magsayo is staying busy while chasing another title, this time in the 130-pound division and he's ready to take on any of the four reigning belt-holders.

1 min

Batang Manda rules PGC

Batang Manda topped a 13-horse field in Sunday's Philracom-PCSO Presidential Gold Cup at the Metro Manila Turf Club in Malvar, Batangas, giving former DILG secretary and member of the elite Philippine Horseracing Hall of Fame Benhur Abalos his fourth PGC crown.

1 min

Fighting Maroons go for jugular

On the verge a return to the throne, the UP Fighting Maroons pursues the mission, going for the jugular versus the La Salle Archers in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball finals today at the Mall of Asia Arena.

1 min

Enot, Mojdeh snare silvers

Davao City pride Ivo Nikolai Enot and Micaela Jasmine Mojdeh captured silver medals to highlight the Philippine junior swimming team's showing in the just-concluded 46th Southeast Asian Age Group Championships in Bangkok, Thailand.

1 min

Trade deficit widens to 26-month high in Oct

The country posted its biggest trade gap in over two years in October as exports dropped while imports increased.

2 mins

Pinoys expect income growth, rising loan, bill payments - poll

A majority of Filipinos expect their income to grow next year, but many households still anticipate financial strain amid rising bill and loan payments, results of a survey by TransUnion showed.

3 mins

WB trims 2024 Phl GDP target to 5.9%

The World Bank has downscaled its economic growth forecast for the Philippines this year following the slower-than-expected gross domestic product growth in the third quarter, but expects the economy to post faster economic growth next year.

2 mins

FDI slumps to over 4-year low

Reaches only $368 M in Sept

2 mins

Stocks bounce back on window dressing

The stock market rebounded yesterday following a poor performance on Monday, inching up on the back of yearend window-dressing activities.

1 min

ALI raises P2.8 B from block sale of AREIT shares

Property giant Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) has raised P2.8 billion from another round of block sale of AREIT Inc. shares.

1 min

Technology boom in ASEAN

Secretary Deck Go is right. Malaysia and Vietnam are enjoying a technology boom as billions of dollars in FDI poured in the wake of a rush to protect high-tech products from the threatened Trump tariffs starting next year.

4 mins

RCBC bares leadership reshuffle

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) has announced key leadership changes, including the appointment of Reginaldo Anthony Cariaso as deputy chief executive officer (CEO), effective Jan. 1, 2025, subject to regulatory approvals.

1 min

Manila Water taps MSpectrum for 4.2-MW solar power project

East Zone concessionaire Manila Water Co. Inc. has signed an agreement with the solar energy arm of Manila Electric Co. for the former's solar power project that seeks to reduce the firm's electricity demand from the power grid.

1 min

SM Prime unveils P10 B share buyback plan

SM Prime Holdings Inc., the integrated property developer of the Sy family, is preparing to buy back shares worth as much as P10 billion.

1 min

MANILA LEADS CORPORATE GROWTH PREFERENCE AS REAL ESTATE MARKET THRIVES

Metro Manila continues to dominate as a preferred location for corporate expansion, according to Santos Knight Frank's (SKF) recent occupier sentiment survey, The Collab Special Report.

2 mins

Maximizing spaces for festive celebrations

Celebrating the holidays in a cozy home offers unique opportunities to create intimate, memorable gatherings.

2 mins

Metro Retail to put up more neighborhood grocery stores

Gaisano-led Metro Retail Stores Group Inc. (MRSGI) is further expanding and diversifying its store formats with the planned addition of more neighborhood grocery stores.

1 min

PLDT keen on keeping lead in data center capacity

Telco giant PLDT Inc. plans to sustain its market dominance in the data center space by building more facilities, mostly in Southern Tagalog, with capacities of at least 100 megawatts.

2 mins

AIM confers honorary doctorate in management to DMCI chairman

Tycoon Isidro Consunji (in photo, 7th from left) has received an Honorary Doctorate in Management from the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), recognizing his visionary leadership and exceptional management acumen.

1 min

Gov't urged to prioritize digitalization in all schools

A citizens advocacy group is calling on the government to make digitalization a priority investment in the K to 12 education, saying that connectivity and capacity building should be at the forefront of elevating our learners' readiness, competence and competitiveness.

1 min

RE market begins full operation on Dec 26

The renewable energy market (REM) is set to start full commercial operation on Dec. 26, according to the Department of Energy (DOE).

1 min

Meralco eyes JV with electric coop

Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Company, better known as Meralco, is eyeing a joint venture with the Batangas II Electric Cooperative Inc. or BATELEC II, one of the two electric cooperatives that distribute electricity to Batangas province, as Meralco strives to enhance its services to provinces adjacent to the Mega Manila grid.

4 mins

Sofia Zobel Elizalde: 'Dance will always be a part of me'

Sofia Zobel Elizalde must have been doing pirouettes as early as in her mother's womb. When she was a little girl, she fell head over heels - and on pointes, too - in love with ballet when she was chosen to play Clara in a local adaptation of the immortal 1892 classical ballet The Nutcracker by Pyotr Tchaikovsky.

5 mins

MAGICAL EVENINGS OF CHAMPAGNE AND WINE

When Tim Yap informed me that there would be a Moët & Chandon dinner to present its 2024 festive season, it was an instant, \"Yes!\" to the world's most celebrated champagne house that officially launched the holiday season with an exquisite dinner held at the White Space, Makati.

1 min

Jeniffer Maravilla sings 'Di Na Pwede' with more feelings this time

Jeniffer Maravilla further flexes her vocal muscles and broadens her musical horizons by releasing the single 'Di Na Pwede' with GMA Playlist.

1 min

WHY NADINE LUSTRE IS FASCINATED WITH HORROR

Is Nadine Lustre the new horror queen?

3 mins

Netflix's 'One Hundred Years of Solitude' hits screen in Havana

Hundreds of fans gathered outside the Yara cinema in Cuba's capital on Friday evening for a screening of the first TV adaptation of one of Latin America's most beloved novels, a mammoth challenge taken on by streaming giant Netflix.

2 mins

IAN VENERACION LEADS THE ENSEMBLE CAST OF REIN ENTERTAINMENT'S 'DRUG WAR'

IAN VENERACION leads the ensemble cast of Rein Entertainment's upcoming crime action series \"Drug War: A Conspiracy of Silence.\" He plays Father Tom Carillo, a priest who finds himself in the middle of the chaos, conflicts and moral complexities surrounding the country's war on drugs.

4 mins

TOYOTA UNVEILS THE NEXT-GENERATION TAMARAW

After months of build-up, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has finally officially launched the next-generation Tamaraw in the Philippines.

3 mins

Homegrown workhorse

The Toyota Tamaraw is proudly made by Filipinos for Filipinos

3 mins

Toyota Foundation, DENR partner to save the tamaraws

The Toyota Tamaraw has been such an iconic nameplate in the Philippines. It was a game-changer of its time - kind of like a then-new concept vehicle that Filipinos never knew they absolutely needed in their lives.

2 mins

Why the next-gen Tamaraw will redefine the lifestyle/workhorse vehicle

In a world of crossovers and other multi-tasking vehicles, few hold the massive potential of being the ultimate jack-of-all-trades vehicle like the new next-generation Tamaraw.

1 min

Audi Q8 e-tron leads the way in luxurious, 100% electric travel

The latest version brings sophistication to long-distance trips — like when driving to the City of Pines

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.