The Philippine Star - December 21, 2024

In this issue

December 21, 2024

Chavit Singson's voter preference skyrockets by 11% in four weeks - the most of any national candidate.

Political dynamics seemed to have shifted as senatorial candidate Luis \"Chavit\" Singson is emerging as a dark horse in the senatorial race in the 2025 midterm elections, skyrocketing from 14.71% in November 2024 to an impressive 26% in the latest Tangere poll survey in December, a remarkable surge of 11.29% in Singson's popularity among the 66 senatorial candidates.

1 min

Marcos hails AFP as a force for peace

Amid the \"pervasive force of misinformation and disinformation\" that threatens democracy, President Marcos commended the military yesterday for being \"a force for peace and solidarity\" and a partner in nation building.

2 mins

2 MILF commanders convicted for Mamasapano massacre

After nearly a decade of legal proceedings, two commanders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) were convicted in connection with the 2015 Mamasapano massacre, in which 44 members of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) were killed.

1 min

SMC waives toll on holiday eves

Infrastructure builder San Miguel Corp. (SMC) is waiving the toll on its expressways on the eves of Christmas and New Year's, for smoother passage at the toll plazas.

1 min

DOJ may subpoena Rody for crimes vs humanity

The Department of Justice (DOJ) may subpoena former president Rodrigo Duterte in preparation for the possible filing of cases against him in local courts, including for crimes against humanity, as recommended by the quad committee of the House of Representatives.

4 mins

BBM: Contractual gov't workers to get gratuity pay

Contractual government workers will receive up to P7,000 in gratuity pay this year, Malacañang announced yesterday.

1 min

Fuel price hike looms on Christmas

Pump prices of petroleum products are expected to increase next week in time for the Christmas celebration.

1 min

Retired AFP, PNP officials ask for budget review

Over a dozen retired officials of the military, police and coast guard are asking President Marcos to look into controversial allocations in the proposed 2025 national budget that seem to prioritize less important items at the expense of vital ones, including defense and security.

4 mins

1 dead, 2 injured in C5 multi-vehicle collision

A dump truck jumped into the opposite lane of C5 Road in Taguig on Thursday night, smashing into an Innova and hitting two sport utility vehicles and a motorcycle before landing in a ditch.

1 min

Air, sea ports ready for Christmas

With the influx of air and sea travelers expected during the holidays, measures have been put in place to prevent congestion.

1 min

Teodoro meets SoKor envoy amid Seoul political turmoil

South Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa paid a courtesy visit to Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. at Camp Aguinaldo yesterday, where they exchanged notes on breakthroughs and potentials in the Philippines' and South Korea's 75-year-old relations.

1 min

Pasig court rejects bail for Guo, 5 others

Citing strong evidence against them, a Pasig court has denied the petition for bail of former Bamban mayor Alice Guo and five of her co-accused in a qualified human trafficking case.

1 min

House urged: Act on 3 impeachment complaints vs VP

The groups that filed the first two impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte have welcomed the filing of the third, and asked the House of Representatives to act swiftly on the three cases.

2 mins

Marcos ready to implement RAA with Japan

President Marcos is looking forward to the immediate implementation of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the Philippines and Japan that is expected to bolster the security and defense of both countries.

2 mins

Comelec sells old PCOS machines for P12 M

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has sold the old precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines used in previous elections for P12.26 million.

1 min

Civil society hits PhilHealth's 'do nothing' budget

Civil society groups referred to the 2025 Corporate Operating Budget (COB) of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) as a \"do nothing\" budget.

2 mins

SM Foundation upgrades vital Quezon City community health center

SM Foundation upgrades vital Quezon City community health center

3 mins

PCG receives drones from Germany

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has received support from Germany, which donated drones, various supplies and manuals.

1 min

One Meralco powers low-income homes in Parañaque

One Meralco Foundation (OMF), the social development arm of power distributor Manila Electric Co., has energized some 100 low-income households in San Isidro village in Parañaque City.

1 min

Domestic workers to get P500 raise

Domestic workers in Metro Manila are getting a wage increase of P500 a month.

1 min

SPD director appointed ACG chief

After being vacant for over a month, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has a new chief of its primary anti-cybercrime unit.

1 min

Tainted

The 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) was originally scheduled for signing yesterday.

3 mins

Surprised by Christmas

In the Bicol region, the government is looking unprepared not only for tropical cyclones, monsoon-induced rainfall and cataclysmic flooding, but also for Christmas. Specifically, the holiday travel rush.

2 mins

Cooked with love

I was pleasantly surprised with our accommodations.

4 mins

Harsh penalty for Mary Jane: She did not get a fair trial

AT GROUND LEVEL

4 mins

The face of courage

Until Sept. 2, most of the world did not really know what Gisèle Pelicot looked like.

4 mins

Brewing in the budget

Five days before Christmas Day, Filipinos are yet to feel the festive holiday mood as two interrelated events have sparked significant controversy and fired up people to be anxious and livid: the reallocation/misallocation of the budget and the zero government subsidy for the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

4 mins

Fireworks stakeholders confirm sale of illegal pyro devices

Fireworks stakeholders in Bulacan have confirmed the sale of illegal imported pyrotechnics devices in the local market.

1 min

Bicol travelers face 5 to 8 hours delay

Motorists and commuters going to Bicol for the holidays should brace for heavy traffic along the Rolando Andaya Highway, as personnel continue to repair road sections damaged by recent typhoons.

1 min

Supporters of dismissed Mandaue mayor rally at Comelec

Around 300 supporters of dismissed mayor Jonas Cortes rallied at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Mandaue City in Cebu yesterday to protest the cancellation of the mayor's certificate of candidacy (COC) for the midterm polls.

1 min

OCD eyes Kanlaon PDZ expansion to 10 kilometers

If weather conditions worsen, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) might expand the permanent danger zone or PDZ for Kanlaon Volcano from six kilometers to 10 kilometers.

1 min

BOC, DA allow sale of 'smuggled' rice

After discovering P661 million worth of rice suspected to be smuggled, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and Department of Agriculture (DA) reportedly allowed the owners of the raided warehouses in Bulacan to continue operations \"under strict oversight.\"

1 min

Musk flexes his political strength

When US president-elect Donald Trump picked \"the Great Elon Musk,\" the world's richest man, to slash government spending and waste, he mused that the effort might be \"the Manhattan Project of our time.\"

1 min

Oklahoma killer of girl executed by lethal injection

An Oklahoma man who killed a 10-year-old girl in a cannibalistic fantasy died by lethal injection yesterday in the nation's 25th and final execution of the year.

1 min

Putin: Russia ready to compromise with Trump on Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that he was ready to compromise over Ukraine in possible talks with US president-elect Donald Trump on ending the war and had no conditions for starting talks with Ukrainian authorities.

1 min

US gov't shutdown looms

As Trump-backed spending deal fails in House

1 min

Macron heckled during visit to cyclone-hit Mayotte

French President Emmanuel Macron was due on Friday to visit shantytowns in Mayotte ravaged by Cyclone Chido on the second day of a visit where he has faced calls to speed up relief to the Indian Ocean archipelago.

1 min

Gisele Pelicot hailed as hero after husband goes to jail

Frenchwoman Gisele Pelicot, who survived a decade of sexual abuse by her husband and dozens of strangers, said she hoped her ordeal would help make the world a better place for \"women and men alike\" as her former spouse was jailed for 20 years.

1 min

Chalamet channels young Dylan in 'A Complete Unknown'

Timothee Chalamet likened his journey to playing music legend Bob Dylan to an athletic feat. It turned into a marathon that stretched longer than the actor had expected.

1 min

Suspect in killing of US CEO transferred to NY

The man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare's CEO was whisked back to New York by plane and helicopter Thursday to face new federal charges of stalking and murder, which could bring the death penalty if he's convicted.

2 mins

Netanyahu eyes Iran after triumphs over Hamas, Hezbollah, Syria

For Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his country's arch foe Iran, 2025 will be a year of reckoning.

1 min

Malaysia to resume search for missing MH370 plane

Malaysia's Cabinet has agreed to a proposal to launch a new search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, which disappeared mysteriously 10 years ago, the transport minister said yesterday.

1 min

Brazil bar gets '24K Magic' moment with Mars visit

Lacador, a small bar in the Brazilian city of Belo Horizonte, has got its uptown funk on following a surprise visit by US pop hitmaker Bruno Mars.

1 min

Giannis, Damian shine in NBA Cup

Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard and Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander were among those named to the NBA Cup all-tournament team announced on Thursday.

1 min

Phl XI hoping for miracle

Beat Indonesia and pray for Myanmar to fall against Vietnam.

1 min

Scalia's gift

Scalia Nethanial is a rare breed of basketball entertainment. The Filipino-Malaysian has taken freestyle in a new and refreshing direction.

1 min

Austria chases time to jell

San Miguel Beer head coach Leo Austria said there was little time to prepare for the EASL game against Eastern but despite schedule constraints, the Beermen recovered from a 20-point deficit to trim the gap to two in the fourth quarter only to run out of steam down the stretch, dropping a 71-62 decision at the Southorn Stadium here Wednesday night.

1 min

NORTHPORT REGAINS UPPER HAND

Back on familiar territory as winner, league-leader.

2 mins

Red-hot Junior Warriors clinch UAAP title

The University of the East captured its first hoops title in 39 years, blasting Santo Tomas with a 78-47 masterclass in Game 3 of the UAAP Season 87 junior high school basketball finals yesterday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

1 min

Memphis Massacre: Warriors lose by 51

Stephen Curry had a game like none other in his career. It was part of an awful night for the Golden State Warriors.

1 min

BOI eyes P1.75-T investment approvals next year

The Board of Investments (BOI) is aiming to set a new record next year with its goal of approving P1.75 trillion worth of investments, following this year's all-time high investment approvals.

1 min

BSP open to more rate cuts

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is open to delivering policy rate cuts as early as its first meeting in 2025, but easing measures will remain aligned with the central bank's forward guidance, BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr. said.

2 mins

Businesses less upbeat, consumers more bullish

Businesses in the Philippines turned less optimistic for the first quarter next year and the next 12 months amid economic uncertainties leading up to the midterm elections, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas BSP).

2 mins

Rate cut, bargain hunting end market slump

The local stock market snapped its seven-day losing streak as investors found inspiration from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)'s latest policy rate cut.

1 min

FLI's P12-B bond issue gets highest rating

Philippine Rating Services Corp. (PhilRatings) has assigned the highest rating to the P12 billion issuance of Gotianun-led Filinvest Land Inc.

1 min

Whoever takes the Son

\"But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.\"

2 mins

THE SILHOUETTE: BOLD LIVING IN SAN JUAN

MRDC celebrates a key milestone as its maiden project nears completion

2 mins

Manila Water inks P15-B loan deal with Metrobank

East Zone concessionaire Manila Water Co. Inc. has borrowed P15 billion from Ty-led Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) to finance its capital expenditure.

1 min

Business as usual at John Hay

It's business as usual at one of the country's favorite local tourist destinations - Camp John Hay in Baguio City.

4 mins

MVP keen on investing in Camp John Hay

Executives from the MVP Group, led by business titan Manuel V. Pangilinan, met with officials of the state-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) on Thursday to discuss potential investments aimed at fostering growth in Northern Luzon.

1 min

Bloomberry appoints Solaire North head as acting COO of BRHI

Bloomberry Resorts Corp. of tycoon Enrique Razon Jr. has appointed Gregory Francis Hawkins as acting chief operating officer (COO) of subsidiary Bloomberry Resorts and Hotels Inc. (BRHI).

1 min

Alternergy's Tanay wind dev't gaining steam

Renewable power developer Alternergy Holdings Corp. (AHC) is on track to complete its massive wind farm in Rizal by end-2025, with installation of wind turbines targeted as early as next month.

1 min

ICTSI secures 25-year extension to operate MCT

Port builder International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) has landed another 25 years for its concession to operate and maintain the Mindanao Container Terminal (MCT).

1 min

EPIC COUNTDOWN PARTIES AT NEWPORT WORLD RESORTS

The country's premier entertainment and lifestyle destination is set to close 2024 with unforgettable celebrations for a magnificent start of 2025.

3 mins

To Laki With Love

Larry Henares taught me how to write. He taught me how to enjoy the humanities — art, literature, cinema. Most importantly, he taught me how to live.

4 mins

GETTING TO KNOW THE BEEHIVE STATE ONE SIP AND BITE AT A TIME

It's not just the landmarks that offer the best insights into a place and its culture. It's the food. Through Funeral fries and green Jell-O, I flew back home with a deeper appreciation of Salt Lake City and its people that will stay with me and my palate for years to come! -

6 mins

MAKE YOUR HOLIDAYS LIT AT SM MALL OF ASIA!

What's the vibe this Christmas? It's all about celebrating Paskong Pinoy-a season where love, laughter, and traditions take center stage. At SM Mall of Asia, the festive energy is electric, offering everything you need for an unforgettable holiday season.

2 mins

PRESERVING TRADITION, INSPIRING INNOVATION

A celebration of Filipino heritage took center stage at Rockwell Club in Makati City as the \"Terno Exhibit\" unfolded in a dazzling showcase of timeless elegance.

1 min

OF SWEET MEMORIES FOR SHIRLEY

The stunning Shirley Sobremonte celebrated her birthday with a grand thanksgiving party at the Marquez Room of Summer Palace, Edsa Shangri-La Manila in Mandaluyong City.

1 min

Supporting the next-gen of OPM artists

As the Filipino music industry continues to change and expand, Yamaha Music Philippines wants to offer essential support to music artists at every stage of their journey.

4 mins

NETFLIX UPS THE ANTE IN GLOBAL PREMIERE FOR 'SQUID GAME 2'

Nothing like it. Hands down! Now let me walk you through this half-visual article about the \"Squid Game\" Season 2 world premiere in Seoul, which happened two weeks ago.

3 mins

BINI LOOKS FORWARD TO WORLD TOUR IN 2025

WHAT A YEAR 2024 HAS been for BINI. But it looks like 2025 is shaping up to be an even bigger year for the \"Nation's Girl Group\" with their first-ever world tour.

4 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.