The Philippine Star - December 17, 2024

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December 17, 2024

Congress has oversight on confidential fund use - ex-COA exec

Vice President Sara Duterte cannot use confidentiality as an excuse not to respond to questions of lawmakers regarding her office's use of confidential funds, a former Commission on Audit (COA) commissioner said.

1 min

BBM vows to restore DepEd budget cut

President Marcos yesterday vowed to restore the multibillion-peso allocation slashed from the budget of the Department of Education (DepEd), saying the move to reduce the agency's proposed outlay for next year goes against his policy direction.

6 mins

Marcos wants to be more open to media

President Marcos yesterday vowed to be more open and accessible to the media, as he called on journalists to evolve to counter the proliferation of fake news.

1 min

Mary Jane coming home tomorrow

Filipina death row convict Mary Jane Veloso is set to return to the Philippines tomorrow, Dec. 18, after the government signed an agreement with Indonesia to repatriate her.

2 mins

Senate ratifies Phl-Japan military access agreement

The Senate has ratified the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the Philippines and Japan, paving the way for the establishment of a legal framework for joint military training, operations and humanitarian missions as part of an overall defense cooperation between the two countries.

5 mins

Fuel prices going up this week

Motorists should brace for fuel price hikes of as much as P0.80 per liter today, with gasoline going up for the fourth straight week.

1 min

ARAL Law IRR signed

The law that aims to provide free science, literacy and mathematics tutoring to kindergarten to grade 10 students (K-10) is expected to go into full swing in the near future with the signing yesterday of its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).

1 min

Japan lifts ban on exporting strawberries to Phl

Japan on Sunday lifted the ban on exporting fresh strawberries to the Philippines.

1 min

'Quad comm's probe all in aid of legislation'

House of Representatives leaders reminded Sen.

2 mins

Cloud cluster now an LPA, may become tropical depression

A cloud cluster being monitored east of Mindanao has developed into a low-pressure area (LPA), the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said yesterday.

1 min

A lot of noise, but nation stable - BBM

Although his administration is being hounded by political controversies, the state of the nation is \"quite stable,\" President Marcos said yesterday as he dismissed speculations that he is conducting a \"loyalty check\" among security forces.

1 min

ROTC officer commits suicide after hazing

Kabataan party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel revealed yesterday that a corps commander of the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) in Passi City has committed suicide after getting depressed over the hazing that he suffered during his training.

1 min

Dawn masses: Faithful urged to share the light, build bridges

On the first day of the nine-day Simbang Gabi or the traditional Filipino dawn masses before Christmas, two leaders of the Catholic Church in the country called on the faithful to \"share the light\" and to \"build bridges instead of walls and fences.\"

2 mins

DOH: PhilHealth has sufficient funds

Despite zero subsidy in 2025 for the Philippine Health Insurance Corp., the Department of Health (DOH) is assuring the public that PhilHealth has sufficient funds.

2 mins

DSWD joins gov't campaign vs fake PWD IDs

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has joined the government's campaign against the proliferation of fake person with disability (PWD) ID cards, through the creation of a unified ID system, which will employ a web-based portal that can be used for real-time updating and verification by business establishments.

1 min

Law-abiding Filipinos in US not target of mass deportation

Law-abiding Filipinos in the United States are not the target of president-elect Donald Trump's mass deportation policy, an official of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.

2 mins

Comelec: File raps vs indiscriminate b'gay certificate issuance

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has recommended filing charges against barangay captains who indiscriminately issue barangay certificates, allowing individuals to transfer from one area to another.

1 min

SC: Unmarried teachers can't be suspended for being pregnant

Consensual sexual relations between unmarried people that result in pregnancy are not immoral and not a valid ground for suspension from work of the pregnant woman, the Supreme Court (SC) has ruled.

1 min

Greenhills-West Crame connector road now open

The local government of San Juan opened yesterday the Greenhills-West Crame Connector Road, designed to ease traffic congestion and enhance connectivity in the city.

1 min

LTFRB warns PUVs, TNVs not complying with 20% discount

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board will impose sanctions on operators and drivers of Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) and public utility vehicles (PUV) who fail to comply with the law-mandated fare discounts for senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWD) and students, an official of the LTFRB said yesterday.

1 min

Palace opens doors to public for dawn masses

Malacañang is opening its doors again to the public for the traditional Simbang Gabi or dawn masses and other Christmas events.

1 min

MRT-3 extends service hours for holidays

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has given in to calls from commuters to extend the service hours of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) during the holiday rush.

1 min

Money heist

What we’re seeing now is a jaw-dropping money heist involving our education and health care budgets.

3 mins

Blunders

Two presidents met their downfall last week. Their political decline was of their own making.

3 mins

5 quick takes on regime change in Syria

For the past few weeks, I have been arguing that Israel has inflicted the equivalent of a Six Day War-level defeat on Iran and its resistance network, and that this would have vast consequences.

2 mins

UNRWA is the problem, not the solution

UNRWA, the United Nations Relief & Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, was a fatally flawed organization at its inception 75 years ago, and since then has become one of the most tangible expressions of the UN’s anti-Israel bias.

4 mins

Of grace and gratitude

Days leading to Thanksgiving and the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, I was exploring Portugal and paid homage to Our Lady of Fatima.

4 mins

The Duterte family's criminal enterprise

Davao's Duterte family was one grand criminal enterprise.

4 mins

Caraga workers get pay hike

Minimum wage earners and domestic workers in Caraga region are receiving increases in their take-home pay, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced yesterday.

1 min

OCD warns of lahar flow in 13 Negros areas

BACOLOD CITY - The Office of Civil Defense has warned of a potential lahar hazard flow from Kanlaon, which may endanger 644,487 residents in 13 cities and municipalities on Negros Island, as some areas near the volcano experienced rainfall.

2 mins

Septuagenarian wins half of 6/45 lotto prize

A 70-year-old man from Cagayan de Oro City won half of the P118.9 million Mega Lotto 6/45 jackpot prize last Nov. 11, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) announced.

1 min

PNP to monitor CPP anniversary

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is closely monitoring the Dec. 26 Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) anniversary, traditionally a time of heightened security threats.

1 min

Cyclone pummels French territory; hundreds feared dead

Several hundred people and possibly even thousands may have been killed when the most powerful cyclone in nearly a century hit the French Indian Ocean archipelago of Mayotte, a senior local French official said on Sunday.

1 min

US warship docks in Cambodia amid China naval base concerns

A US warship docked in Cambodia yesterday, just kilometers away from a Chinese-renovated naval base, in the first American military port call to one of Beijing's closest regional allies in eight years.

1 min

30 NoKor soldiers killed, wounded in Russia's Kursk region

KYIV (AFP) – Ukraine said yesterday that its troops killed or wounded at least 30 North Korean soldiers who had been deployed by Russia to its western Kursk region, where Ukraine has seized territory.

1 min

'Bali Nine' drug ring prisoners 'relieved' on return home

The five remaining members of the Australian \"Bali Nine\" drug ring say they are \"relieved and happy\" over their return home after 19 years in prison in Indonesia.

1 min

SoKor's Yoon resists questioning over failed martial law bid

SEOUL (AFP) - Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol resisted investigators' calls on Monday for him to answer questions over his failed bid to declare martial law this month.

1 min

Ex-husband in French rape trial seeks 'forgiveness'

The French man who has admitted to enlisting dozens of strangers to rape his heavily sedated wife on Monday asked forgiveness from his family and hailed the courage of his now ex-spouse during his trial.

1 min

'Moana 2' surfs to 3rd weekend lead in N. America theaters

LOS ANGELES (AFP) – “Moana 2,” the Disney sequel about the seafaring adventures of a courageous young Polynesian girl, topped the North American box offi ce again in its third weekend out, taking in $26.6 million, according to industry estimates.

1 min

UP's Goldwin touch

It was UP coach Goldwin Monteverde’s time to shine again. The Fighting Maroons are back on the UAAP men’s basketball throne, claiming their second title in the last four seasons under the Man with the Goldwin Touch.

1 min

Batang Pier target new record streak

NorthPort has never had it so good. The Batang Pier are off to a roaring opening, outplaying all five opponents so far, including heavyweights Magnolia and TNT, for pole position in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

1 min

Doncic triple-double leads Mavs over Warriors in shootout

Luka Doncic reeled off a triple-double with 45 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds to spark the Dallas Mavericks over Golden State 143-133 in a record-shattering NBA matchup on Sunday.

1 min

No rancor, only handshakes

In last Sunday's column previewing Game Three of the UAAP men's basketball Finals, it was mentioned that \"while the rivalry has been bitter and intense from coaches down to players, let's hope there will be no rancor, only handshakes, when the smoke clears...tears will be shed, in joy or frustration, but let's remember, regardless of the outcome, everyone will be better from this experience of a lifetime.\"

2 mins

MAROONS: A DYNASTY RISING

For two straight seasons, the University of the Philippines was in a loop of near hits and almostbut-not-quite moments.

2 mins

PEZA projects P215 B investment approvals by yearend

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) expects to end 2024 with approved investments of around P215 billion, the highest in seven years.

1 min

Pagcor, SMC Infrastructure ink lease for Nayong Pilipino property

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) has signed a 25-year contract with San Miguel Infrastructure, the infrastructure unit of San Miguel Corp. (SMC), for the lease of the gaming regulator’s 15-hectare Nayong Pilipino property in Pasay City.

1 min

Panlilio is MAP president for 2025

Business group Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) has named Maya Bank chair and PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications Inc. director Alfredo \"Al\" Panlilio as its president for 2025.

1 min

Remittances hit 3-month high in Oct

Remittances sent home by overseas Filipino workers OFWs) picked up at the start of the ber” months, reaching their highest level in three months.

2 mins

Market slips in cautious trade ahead of BSP meeting

Share prices inched down as investors remained cautious ahead of rate-setting meeting of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the US Federal Reserve this week.

1 min

EEI injecting P3.85 B into subsidiaries to fund expansion

Construction giant EEI Corp. is injecting P3.85 billion into various subsidiaries to support their growth initiatives.

1 min

Usually, the first 'smart' answer is wrong

What would you expect to see when you hear hoofbeats on a farm? A crazy horse or an inconsiderate neighbor doing karaoke? Chances are, you’ll choose a horse.

4 mins

EasyCall sells BPO stake for P45 M

Tech provider EasyCall Communications Philippines Inc. has disposed of its minority stake in a business process outsourcing (BPO) to raise P45 million for its future expansion.

1 min

Meat processors appeal ban on Indian buffalo meat imports

Meat processors sounded the alarm over possible supply disruptions on raw materials if a hold order issued by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) on the importation of buffalo meat from certain Indian states would not be reversed soon.

3 mins

Phl financial resources rise to P32.8 T in Oct

The total resources of the country’s financial system rose by 8.9 percent to hit P32.8 trillion as of end-October, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

1 min

Explaining Trump, Duterte and Marcos

Donald Trump’s re-election against the backdrop of a record marred by criminal allegations and accusations of immorality can speak volumes for the powerful strategies and the messaging capacity to resonate with certain segments of the electorate.

4 mins

BSP to penalize erring peso RTGS participants

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has updated its policy on penalties and sanctions for erring participants in the Peso Real-Time Gross Settlement System (RTGS), a large value-payment system that enables fund transfers between financial institutions on a real-time basis.

1 min

Megaworld to launch more townships in 2025

Megaworld Corp. is poised to unleash more township developments next year, fueled by its bullish prospects for the country’s property sector.

1 min

Robinsons Land upgrades lobby facilities in office buildings

Robinsons Land Corp. is giving its office buildings a major facelift to provide tenants more reasons to return to the office.

1 min

Property market recovery seen with rate cuts

The rate cuts delivered by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) are expected to spur the recovery of the country's property market, according to real estate brokerage firm Leechiu Property Consultants Inc. (LPC).

1 min

Kim Chiu takes on the role of empowered calendar girl

Kim Chiu has accepted another role, which is the Tanduay Calendar Girl for 2025, and never passed up the chance to be one.

3 mins

ROSELLE MONTEVERDE HONORS MOTHER LILY IN 50TH MMFF ENTRY 'MY FUTURE YOU'

REGAL ENTERTAINMENT’S 2024 METRO MANILA Film Festival MMFF) entry, My Future You,” starring the up-and-coming loveteam Seth Fedelin and Francine Diaz, is one of the last films greenlit by the late Regal matriarch Mother Lily Monteverde before her passing in August.

4 mins

Love songs for Christmas

A soldier in the battlefield longing to be home for Christmas inspired the great composer Irving Berlin to write White Christmas in 1942.

2 mins

MMFF 2024 ENTRY 'TOPAKK' AIMS TO BREAK THE SILENCE ON PTSD

Julia Montes said yes to the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry \"Topakk\" (English title: \"Triggered\") because of its core theme on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

3 mins

BUTCHER BOY OPENS IN MANILA

Michelin-starred, Singapore-based chef Andrew Walsh brings his acclaimed concept Butcher Boy to Manila!

2 mins

Hail, Mary!

Mary, now streaming on Netflix ,isstirring the cauldron of faith, while also firing up admiration for facets of Mary that shone in the movie.

3 mins

HOW TO MANAGE TYPE 1 DIABETES IN CHILDREN

As parents , we know that toddlers and kids sleep, play and drink a lot. But if your child is suddenly drowsier than usual, is frequently thirsty, gets tired easily and loses weight drastically, these could be symptoms of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Sadly, these are easily overlooked by parents.

2 mins

Tips for keeping stress and anxiety down during the holidays

The holidays are finally here, which means traveling to a picturesque destination and going back home to spend time with our loved ones.

2 mins

FROM HITS TO HEALTH: HOW LIZZO LOST 60 POUNDS

Grammy-winning artist Lizzo has always been the poster girl of body positivity for years, but have you seen her lately? She has been sharing on social media how she lost 60 pounds in five months!

3 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.