The Philippine Star - December 27, 2024

In this issue

December 27, 2024

BSP: Polymer bills lead to drop in counterfeits

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported a significant decrease in counterfeit banknotes since the introduction of polymer currency, with only one fake P1,000 polymer note detected per 82 million pieces in circulation.

2 mins

DA monitoring retail price of fruits

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is monitoring the retail price of local fruits amid the expected increase in demand during the New Year celebration.

1 min

VP Ends Tumultuous 2024 Facing 3 Impeach Complaints

Facing three impeachment complaints, Vice President Sara Duterte will end 2024 uncertain about her chances in the forthcoming proceedings due to the significant number of allies who have since turned against her.

3 mins

China Urges Phl: Return to 'Peaceful Development'

China's foreign ministry yesterday urged the Philippines to return to \"peaceful development,\" saying Manila's decision to deploy a US medium-range missile system in military exercises would only bring the risks of an arms race in the region.

1 min

115 socmed pages selling firecrackers taken down

Apart from entrapment operations, the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) has also intensified its drive against social media accounts to deter the online sale of firecrackers.

3 mins

New year, no change in airfares

Filipinos will enter the new year paying roughly the same for flight tickets, with the government deciding to keep fuel surcharge unchanged for the fourth consecutive month.

1 min

Marcos encourages Pinoys to watch MMFF entries

President Marcos yesterday encouraged Filipinos to support the entries in the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) as they celebrate the Christmas season.

1 min

Cybercrime treaty seen to enhance online safety

Billions of people worldwide are set to benefit from enhanced safety online and in the physical world following the adoption of a legally binding treaty on cybercrime by the UN General Assembly.

2 mins

DA: Rice the biggest challenge in 2024

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. acknowledged that rice was the biggest issue in 2024 and is still the top challenge in 2025.

7 mins

DOH Lauded for Scrapping Seniors' Medicine Booklets

Sen. Bong Go lauded the Department of Health (DOH) for no longer requiring senior citizens to bring their booklets to avail themselves of 20 percent discount when purchasing over-the-counter medications.

1 min

Law penalizes foreign vessels polluting, poaching in Phl

A new law that President Marcos signed will protect the country from foreign ships that pollute domestic waters across the archipelago, and provide penalties as well for poachers who fish or explore local marine resources.

2 mins

Seafarers Move Global Trade - And Christmas Gifts

On a balmy December evening, four Indian crew members, eager to go explore this Mediterranean city where their container ship docked for a few hours, turned for help to Stella Maris.

3 mins

12 Projects Eligible for CREATE MORE Incentives - BOI

Twelve projects with a capital investment of over P15 billion each are qualified to transfer their registration to CREATE MORE for availment of enhanced tax incentives, according to the Board of Investments (BOI).

2 mins

Time to call 'Housekeeping'

Given how he and his administration scored in the latest survey, plus a couple of love letters from concerned groups regarding impeachments and budget cuts on the military, now would be the right time for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to do the necessary \"housekeeping\" among his non-performing appointees or NPAs in government.

3 mins

Creative budgeting

People who feel overworked and underpaid, including teachers and health workers, should look at the fund allotments and expenditures of lawmakers for 2023—and weep.

4 mins

New vocabulary of 'brat' Innocents

“For your generation, what does ‘tito’ or ‘tita’ mean?” asked Ms. Rellzah, 22, my Gen Z partner in Sapol-dwIZ. Of course us seniors use those to address the brother or sister of our parent.

3 mins

Why 'A Christmas Carol' endures

Since its publication in December 1843, \"A Christmas Carol\" by Charles Dickens has been a cherished presence during the holiday season.

3 mins

The movie in my mind

In a rare gesture from the highest office of the land, this year's Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) got a big endorsement.

4 mins

'Mali' returns to Manila Zoo

The remains of Mali the elephant have been brought back to Manila Zoo after undergoing taxidermy.

1 min

PNP Disowns Fake Memo on SRI Cancellation

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has denied the existence of a memorandum canceling the Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) for 2024, calling the circulating document \"fake news.\"

1 min

LTO Officer Summoned Over Truck's Fake Registration

A district officer of the Land Transportation Office (LTO)-National Capital Region is in hot water after it was found that registration papers of a truck involved in a fatal accident were fraudulent.

1 min

PCSO Remits P708M to PhilHealth, CHED, DDB

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has turned over an additional P708 million to the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB).

1 min

Intruder breaks into comedian's house

A man was arrested after he illegally entered two residences, including a house owned by a comedian and television host, in Quezon City on Christmas Eve, police reported yesterday.

1 min

BI: Over 186,000 Travelers Used PHL Airports on Christmas

A total of 186,193 travelers flocked to airports for their travels on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported.

1 min

Thousands Spend Yule in Evacuation Centers

Up to 4,454 families or 14,186 people spent their Christmas and will most likely spend the New Year in evacuation centers on Negros Island as Kanlaon Volcano continues to show signs of unrest.

1 min

DOH Reports Over 4,500 Pertussis Cases Nationwide

The Department of Health (DOH) has recorded 4,518 cases of pertussis nationwide as of Dec. 14.

1 min

Phivolcs warns of tsunami amid earthquakes in Ilocos

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has warned of tsunami amid a series of earthquakes in Santa Catalina town in Ilocos Sur, as it said a magnitude 8.4 temblor might spawn waves as high as 14.7 meters that may hit Vigan City.

1 min

Trump names ambassador to Panama

After saying country is ripping off US ships

1 min

Hamas, Israel Blame Each Other for Ceasefire Delay

Palestinian militant group Hamas and Israel yesterday traded blame over failure to conclude a ceasefire agreement despite progress reported by both sides in past days.

1 min

Trump Wishes 'Left Lunatics' Merry Christmas

President Joe Biden and his incoming successor Donald Trump issued starkly contrasting Christmas messages on Wednesday, with the latter doubling down on recent comments about seizing the Panama Canal, buying Greenland and annexing Canada.

1 min

Tears, prayers as Asia mourns tsunami dead 20 years on

Tearful mourners prayed yesterday as ceremonies were held across Asia to remember the 220,000 people who were killed two decades ago when a tsunami hit coastlines around the Indian Ocean in one of the world's worst natural disasters.

1 min

Zelensky Condemns 'Inhumane' Russian Christmas Attack on Energy Grid

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced Wednesday an \"inhumane\" attack from Russia, which launched over 170 missiles and drones, knocking out power in several regions on Christmas Day and killing an energy worker.

1 min

India readies for 400 Million Pilgrims at Mammoth Festival

Beside India's holy rivers, a makeshift city is being built for a Hindu religious festival expected to be so vast it will be seen from space, the largest gathering in history.

1 min

Azerbaijan Mourns 38 Killed in Plane Crash in Kazakhstan

Azerbaijan began a national day of mourning yesterday after a passenger jet from the flag carrier crashed in western Kazakhstan on Christmas Day, killing 38 of the 67 people onboard.

1 min

King Charles focuses Christmas message on healthcare workers

King Charles III used his annual Christmas message on Wednesday to hail the selflessness of those who have cared for him and the Princess of Wales this year, after both were diagnosed with cancer.

1 min

Abarrientos makes 'Clasico' extra special

It was his first \"Manila Clasico\" experience - on Christmas Day, with 12,198 in attendance at the Big Dome and against the team of his legendary uncle, Magnolia assistant coach Johnny Abarrientos, at that.

1 min

LAKERS PIP WARRIORS

LeBron James and Steph Curry served up a Christmas Day feast as their rivalry delivered another classic with the Los Angeles Lakers edging the Golden State Warriors 115-113 on Wednesday.

1 min

Palawan Yurich Builders-Perpetual rules Jr MPBL 18-under

Palawan Yurich Builders ruled the 18-under division of the Junior Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) by sweeping the best-of-three finals against North Division champion Rizal Province Switch Fiber last Monday at the Home of the Altas Gym in Pamplona III, Las Piñas City.

1 min

Master of whistle

Romy Guevara will always be known as the country's basketball officiating guru with over 40 years of experience running the hardcourt.

2 mins

AsPac Subsea Cable Link Switched On

PLDT in regional telco consortium

1 min

Last-Minute Buying Props Up Market

Last-minute buying from investors helped the local stock market finish in positive territory in its return from a two-day holiday break.

1 min

Meralco Headed for Banner Year

Power distribution giant Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) is on track to close 2024 on a high note, with electricity sales growing beyond target, setting the stage for a promising year ahead.

1 min

Infra spending rises in Oct

Infrastructure spending rose by 2.5 percent in October, with disbursements reaching P110 billion, according to the Department of Budget and Management.

1 min

Crime and punishment

There are some folks who think that foreign investors avoid us because we are too corrupt. But how can we explain Vietnam's and Malaysia's status as the current favorite destinations of investors when corruption is present there too?

4 mins

BSP profit soars to P109.7 B in 9 months

The earnings of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) stood at P109.7 billion as of September, nearly five times higher than the P22.3 billion in the same period last year amid higher interest income.

1 min

Residential developers urged to diversify geographically

Residential property developers are advised to set their sights on geographic diversification, given the stable take-up of units outside Metro Manila.

2 mins

SEC Recognized Anew for Campaign vs Scam

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has been recognized for its efforts in protecting the public against an emerging investment scam.

1 min

Phl meat imports from Brazil expected to surpass 250k MT

Brazil's chicken meat and pork exports to the Philippines are set to expand this year as the latter turns to foreign stocks to augment a shortfall in its domestic supplies.

2 mins

The gift of family

This Christmas was a nostalgic experience for me, and most probably for those who belong to the baby boomer generation like me – those born between 1946 and 1964.

6 mins

Poised for Expansion: Philippine Office and Data Center Markets Gear Up for 2025

The Philippine office and data center markets are poised for significant growth in 2025, driven by government expansions, IT-BPM growth, and rising digital infrastructure needs.

2 mins

Merry moments at Vertis North Estate Rain Garden: Uniting the community in holiday cheer

The holiday spirit came alive at the Vertis North Rain Garden last December 14 with the festive celebration of \"Merry Moments at Vertis North\", a joyous event designed to bring the community together in a heartwarming celebration of the season.

1 min

Cosco terminates P500 M jv with Thai firm

Cosco Capital Inc. of tycoon Lucio Co is no longer pursuing its planned P500-million retail joint venture with a Thai company.

1 min

Mober inks financing deal with BDO

Green logistics startup Mober has inked a financing deal with BDO Unibank Inc. for the acquisition of new electric vehicle (EV) trucks as part of its fleet expansion.

2 mins

Jollibee Group Teams Up With DepEd

The Jollibee Group, through its social development arm Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF), is teaming up with the Department of Education (DepEd) to step up initiatives aimed at alleviating hunger among school-aged children.

1 min

InLife Urges Pinoys to Save for Holidays

Local insurance company Insular Life (InLife) is encouraging Filipinos to prioritize savings this holiday season as it launches a new campaign for the season.

1 min

Judy Ann Santos on Why Co-producing 'Espantaho' is Worth the Gamble

In her decades-long career, which began when she was a child star, Judy Ann Santos has worn multiple hats—actress, host and now, film producer. However, stepping into the roles of both lead star and co-producer in the horror/family drama \"Espantaho\"—her first Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry in this dual capacity—came with its fair share of challenges and lessons.

4 mins

HOW DO WE GROW TOGETHER?

Artist collective 98B COLLABoratory's 'Growing Together' shows us that sustainability begins with nurturing our communities.

5 mins

For Maki, Love Is Like A Bright Summer Day

The second I hear the sunny first notes of Dilaw by singer-songwriter Maki, I instantly feel my blood pressure diminish.

3 mins

TRENDS WE'RE KEEPING AND LEAVING IN 2025

From run clubs to being nonchalant, what's in and out this coming year?

4 mins

Forging ahead in 2025

In a few days, we bid farewell to another year and welcome 2025 with optimism.

2 mins

Phl one of fastest-growing economies in Asia

The Marcos administration has made 2024 a banner year for economic achievements and has once again successfully positioned the Philippines as among the fastest-growing economies in Asia despite global challenges such as geopolitical tensions.

5 mins

Economy Resilient But Faces Risks to Future Growth

Despite weather events like typhoons hitting the country this year, the Philippine economy has remained strong and continues to be one of the fastest-growing economies in the region.

5 mins

Food service sales seen to reach $14B

Food service sales in the country would expand at a double-digit pace next year, surpassing pre-pandemic levels to over $14 billion, driven by industry expansion as more Filipinos are expected to dine out amid a better inflation climate.

1 min

SEC Lauded for Championing Business Sector

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has received commendation from the Office of the President for its efforts in boosting the capital market and the business sector.

1 min

DA Keen on Taming Rice Prices in 2025

Rice, rice, rice. More rice. A lot of rice. If you ask Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. what would be his biggest challenge next year, he would answer with a resounding \"rice.\"

4 mins

More twists, turns await stock market next year

FEARLESS FORECASTS, TOP PERFORMERS, KEY TRENDS

3 mins

New laws to boost investments, revenues

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto is optimistic about the Philippines' economic prospects in 2025, fueled by the recent enactment of two key laws aimed at boosting the tourism industry and local spending as well as strengthening food security in the country.

3 mins

Peso seen hovering around 59:$1 in 2025

The peso is expected to weaken further in 2025, with analysts predicting the exchange rate to hover around 59 per dollar by midyear.

4 mins

Parklinks: A Purposeful Blueprint for Well-Being

In modern architecture and urban development, sustainability has evolved beyond being a mere buzzword into a guiding principle that shapes the future of cities.

2 mins

Sustainability and survival

These three companies understand that circular economy is THE way

2 mins

Shop wherever, whenever: The future is e-commerce

The industry shows tremendous growth in the Philippines

2 mins

AI for MSMEs: Looking through changes toward progress

For smaller businesses, AI poses both opportunities and risks

2 mins

Sustainable and super: Leaders of tomorrow

SM Investments Corp. (SMIC) receives its Platinum Award for environmental, social and governance (ESG) excellence for the 16th consecutive year from The Asset Publishing and Research Ltd.

2 mins

Freelancing and financial freedom: Boosting the economy one project at a time

The gig economy in the Philippines is a rising giant

2 mins

Ahead of the curve: Top business trends for 2025

Navigate the future with these emerging opportunities

3 mins

DTI exceeds 2024 investment targets

FEARLESS FORECASTS, TOP PERFORMERS, KEY TRENDS

3 mins

Power Sector to See Brighter Days in 2025

Brighter days await the Philippine energy sector, with no power alerts expected in the year ahead amid intensified efforts to strengthen the country's supply, placing renewables at the forefront.

3 mins

Philippine Luxury Residences: A Market Defined by Growth and Sustainability

The Philippine real estate market remained robust in 2024, with the luxury residential segment emerging as a key driver of growth.

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.