CATEGORIES

Fixing a bad budget

THE BROADER VIEW

Twenty years ago a tsunami killed 230,000 people; we can do better now

The New York Times On Dec. 26, 2004, one of the largest recorded earthquakes struck off the Indonesian island of Sumatra, heaving a piece of seafloor roughly the length of California about 36 feet sideways and 16 feet up. Some 6,000 aftershocks followed.

Celebrating the holidays 250 miles above Earth

In June, two NASA astronauts, Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, set out for what was expected to be an eight-day trip to the International Space Station.

Preparing for 2025

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Learning continuity

This week the Department of Education ordered public schools from kindergarten to high school to shift to alternative modes of delivering lessons instead of simply suspending classes during calamities.

DOH Reports 284 Road Accidents This Season

The Department of Health (DOH) yesterday reported 284 road traffic accidents amid the rush this Holiday season.

Protect animals from New Year noise, fumes

As the New Year revelry approaches, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and EcoWaste Coalition are appealing to the public to ditch firecrackers and fireworks and to ensure that cats, dogs and other pets are protected from the noise, which causes the animals trauma.

LTO Suspends Truck in Katipunan Mishap

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has ordered a 90-day preventive suspension on the registration of the truck that figured in a fatal accident at the Katipunan flyover in Quezon City that left four people dead and 25 others injured early this month.

Meralco Ready to Respond This Holiday

Power utility giant Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has assured its eight million customers that it is ready to respond to any power outage or electrical issues that may arise as the country rings in the New Year.

NBI in 2024: Major wins vs cybercrimes, fugitives

The National Bureau of Investigation marked 2024 as a year of significant breakthroughs, with its campaigns against cybercrime and high-profile fugitives under the leadership of NBI Director Jaime Santiago.

EDSA Shrine to bless politicians, gov't workers

For its Jubilee Year in 2025, the EDSA Shrine will open its doors to politicians and other government workers, giving them a plenary indulgence if they attend the celebration on Jan. 5.

DOJ Urged: Start Drug War Probe

The Department of Justice (DOJ) should start its probe into the \"fake drug war\" of former president Rodrigo Duterte and his cohorts, Alliance of Concerned Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro said on Thursday.

NCR, Luzon LGUs told: Prepare for strong earthquakes, tsunamis

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla has asked local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila, Regions 1, 2, 3, 4-A and 4-B to prepare for possible strong earthquakes and tsunamis amid a series of earthquakes generated by the Manila Trench.

Schools to deliver alternate modes of learning during calamities

While in-person classes may still be suspended, schools are now mandated to implement alternative modes of delivering lessons to students in times of natural and man-made calamities to minimize learning disruptions.

Admin bets leading Senate poll - SWS

Pollster Social Weather Stations (SWS) has confirmed the results of a commissioned survey showing administration candidates leading among those running in the 2025 senatorial elections.

BBM review of 2025 budget almost done - Palace

President Marcos is nearly finished with his review of the 2025 national budget, which he is expected to rid of certain provisions, particularly what he deemed were unexplained \"insertions\" and cuts in some key agencies.

DSWD says ayuda program not pork barrel

The Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is not a form of pork barrel and barangay officials are not involved in choosing its beneficiaries.

Gov't Eyes Expanded P40/Kilo Rice Program

Affordable rice will soon be available in more public markets nationwide as the government eyes the expansion of its P40 per kilo program, Malacañang said yesterday.

Firecracker injuries reach 101, with 5 amputations

Cases of firecracker-related injuries rose to 101 after 32 new cases were recorded nationwide, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

DA Urges Consumers: Buy Local Fruits

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is urging consumers to prioritize local fruits instead of imported fruits to help farmers as demand is expected to increase during the New Year celebration.

Report spoof messages, online scams, public urged

With online scams appearing to continue unabated, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has urged the public to be more alert and report new tricks employed by scammers - including sending \"spoof\" messages - to help authorities track and prosecute them.

Pinoy New Year Optimism Hits 15-Year Low - Poll

Most Filipinos remain hopeful for the coming year, but pollster Social Weather Stations (SWS) noted that expectations ahead of 2025 are the lowest in 15 years.

No cyclones in next 2 weeks, but rains to persist

No tropical cyclone is expected in the next two weeks, but rains will persist in some areas in the country, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) yesterday.

Fuel Price Rollback Expected in 2025

Following five straight weeks of increases, motorists can look forward to a fuel price rollback in the first week of 2025.

Moving stories of 2024

The year 2024 is poised to be another record year post-pandemic for the automotive industry. Sales are estimated to be around 460,000, surpassing last year's 441,000 vehicles sold.

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.

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.

Top 10 energy news of 2024

Here is my list of the most significant power and energy stories for 2024.

DTI exceeds 2024 investment targets

FEARLESS FORECASTS, TOP PERFORMERS, KEY TRENDS

SM Approaches 2025 With Cautious Optimism

The SM Group is approaching the coming year with cautious optimism, encouraged by the continued growth of the Philippine economy.