The Philippine Star - December 04, 2024

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December 04, 2024

13 Pinays convicted for commercial surrogacy services

Thirteen women from the Philippines have been convicted on human trafficking-related charges for acting as surrogates in Cambodia for a ring selling babies to foreigners for cash.

2 mins

‘Brain rot’ named word of the year by Oxford

LONDON - Many of us have felt it, and now it's official: \"brain rot\" is the Oxford dictionaries' word of the year.

1 min

SMC leads 7 Phl firms in Forbes top employers list

Seven Philippine companies, led by diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC), have been included in this year's roster of the World's Best Employers by Forbes magazine.

1 min

Roque files counter-affidavit from Abu Dhabi

Former presidential spokesman Harry Roque has submitted a counter-affidavit – notarized in Abu Dhabi – on the qualified human trafficking complaint lodged against him in connection with his alleged ties to an illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga.

3 mins

BBM urges action as Phl hosts climate fund meet

President Marcos has expressed hope that the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD) would find ways to ensure that Filipinos would not suffer from the impact of climate change.

4 mins

Palace distances itself from Sara impeach bid

Malacañang yesterday distanced itself from the filing on Monday of an impeachment complaint against President Marcos' former ally-turned-arch critic Vice President Sara Duterte, repeating an admonition to lawmakers that such a move would only distract the government from its task of attending to pressing matters.

6 mins

No PSA record of 'Mary Grace Piattos'

There are no \"records of birth certificate, marriage and death\" under the name of Mary Grace Piattos, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported yesterday to the House committee on good government and public accountability currently investigating the alleged misuse of confidential funds by the Office of the Vice President (OVP).

3 mins

Bicam on 2025 nat'l budget set next week

A bicameral conference committee meeting to harmonize the conflicting provisions in the proposed P6.352-trillion national budget for 2025 has been set either on Dec. 9 or 10, according to Sen. Grace Poe.

2 mins

Phl lauded for reforms to exit FATF gray list

A United Nations official yesterday said the Philippines is achieving a \"significant milestone\" on the international stage because of reforms it undertook to exit the gray list, as required by dirty money watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

2 mins

EU calls on Phl, other countries to join ICC

The visiting European Union's Asia Pacific chief yesterday urged the country to rejoin the International Criminal Court (ICC), as it stressed that the Philippines is not excluded from the ICC's legal jurisdiction even if the country withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2018.

3 mins

Immaculate Conception still on Dec. 8

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary will still be observed on Dec. 8, which falls on a Sunday this year.

1 min

PhilHealth to expand benefits in December

Filipinos can look forward to availing of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth)'s expanded health care packages within the year.

1 min

COA advises OP: Be stricter in granting financial assistance

The Commission on Audit (COA) has recommended to the Office of the President that it implement stricter measures in granting financial assistance to local government units (LGUs) and public hospitals.

2 mins

Phl climbs 31 spots in UN e-Participation Index

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has attributed the Philippines' \"unprecedented climb\" in the 2024 United Nations e-Participation Index (EPI) to the eGovPH Super App, the government's mobile platform.

1 min

Marcos pays tribute to late senator Rasul

President Marcos paid tribute to the late senator Santanina Rasul, calling her a \"trailblazer for equality and empowerment\" whose \"transformative\" contributions have benefitted Filipinos, especially those who belong to underrepresented sectors.

2 mins

Korean gets 2 years in prison for killing dog

The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) yesterday lauded the conviction of a Korean national who was found guilty of killing a dog in Malate, Manila in March.

1 min

Maynilad's P10.5-B treatment facility nears completion

West zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc. is on track to complete its P10.5-billion wastewater treatment facility in 2025, with the project currently at 83 percent progress rate.

1 min

Fix motorcycle plates backlog, LTO urged

Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino yesterday called on the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to address the backlog in license plates instead of imposing a deadline on motorcycle riders.

1 min

DSWD launches ready-to-eat food packs

To ensure food security in times of disasters, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has come up with ready-to-eat food (RTEF) packs that will be distributed to calamity victims.

1 min

LTFRB eyes cut in ride-hailing surge fee

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said yesterday it is eyeing the reduction of surge fee for ride-hailing services during the holiday season.

1 min

Island grabbing?

During the many years I spent in Palawan, I learned of the ways land was surveyed by government agencies, determining what was A&D or alienable & disposable, what was forested, grazing or pastureland or mineral-rich areas ideal for mining.

3 mins

Lost school days

Every year, on average, 53 school days are lost due to weather disturbances, according to Education Secretary Sonny Angara.

4 mins

Total POGO ban

Remember the POGOs? The intensifying political turbulence has edged out Alice Guo and the illegal activities that prompted the government to finally impose a total ban on Philippine offshore gaming operators and their state-sponsored version, the IGL or internet gaming licensee.

1 min

Détente

An impeachment complaint was filed against Vice President Sara Duterte at the House of Representatives last Monday.

4 mins

Easy to impeach, but hard to convict

Impeachment involves two head counts. It's easy to muster one-third of congressmen—106 of 316—to impeach VP Sara Duterte. Congressmen have herd mentality. They enact laws almost unanimously.

3 mins

Kash Patel's threat to the rule of law

The perfect expression of the authoritarian approach to the rule of law comes from a former Peruvian president, Oscar Benavides: \"For my friends, everything; for my enemies, the law.\"

2 mins

VP Sara's rants and the need for political reform

THE CORNER ORACLE

4 mins

Ilocos vaccination campaign to benefit 90,000 children

Up to 90,000 children in Ilocos region will be covered by the \"Big Catch-Up\" immunization campaign of the Department of Health.

1 min

Minor eruption occurs at Taal Volcano

A minor phreatomagmatic eruption occurred at Taal Volcano in Batangas early yesterday morning, causing ash-fall in surrounding communities, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

1 min

Cordillera, Mimaropa workers to get pay hike

Minimum wage earners in the Cordilleras and Mimaropa are expected to receive a higher take-home pay before the year ends as their respective wage boards are finalizing deliberations on the salary adjustment.

1 min

6 rebels killed in N. Samar encounter

Six suspected New People's Army (NPA) guerrillas were killed in an encounter in Las Navas, Northern Samar on Monday.

1 min

Debris warning issued as China launches rocket

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) issued a debris advisory following the launch by China of a rocket yesterday afternoon.

1 min

'The Devil Wears Prada' comes to London's West End

A musical stage adaptation of the hit film \"The Devil Wears Prada\" has opened in London, with an original score by Elton John recounting the tale of a tyrannical magazine editor and her young assistant.

1 min

Taiwan's Lai kicks off Marshall Islands visit as China fumes

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te toured the Marshall Islands yesterday, after visiting the United States on the first stop of a Pacific trip that has angered Chinese leaders.

1 min

Israeli strikes kill 11 in Lebanon

Threatening ceasefire with Hezbollah

1 min

Japan witnesses warmest autumn on record

TOKYO (AFP) - Japan has recorded its warmest autumn since records began 126 years ago, the weather agency said, delaying the country's popular displays of seasonal foliage into December.

1 min

Vietnam court upholds death sentence for tycoon

Vietnamese court upheld the death penalty yesterday for a property tycoon in a multi-billion dollar fraud case - but said her life could still be spared if she paid back three quarters of the assets she embezzled.

1 min

US lawmakers back COVID Chinese lab leak theory after probe

US lawmakers concluded a two-year investigation Monday into the COVID outbreak that killed 1.1 million Americans - backing the theory that the virus likely leaked from a Chinese laboratory.

1 min

US urges 'all countries' to push for Syria de-escalation

The United States called Monday on all countries to use their influence for de-escalation in Syria, where rebels backed by Turkey have launched a surprise offensive.

1 min

Mighty Sports rules Xavier cagefest

Mighty Sports (2010-2011) turned back AcroCity MEC (2021), 91-77, to rule the 2024 Xavier Alumni Basketball League on Sunday at the Xavier School Sports Center in Greenhills, San Juan City.

1 min

WATKINS, BOLICK WREAK HAVOC

Bull-strong Mike Watkins imposed his will inside and Robert Bolick scored with cold efficiency.

1 min

Morris, Diamante share MVP honors

Matthew Morris and Danica Diamante showcased exceptional form at the Lapu-Lapu City National Junior Championships, clinching two titles each and earning MVP honors in Cebu last Sunday.

1 min

CJHGC in position for Fil Am twin kill

BAGUIO - The Camp John Hay Golf Club's two teams are looking to finish off their quests to defend titles in their respective divisions in the 74th Januarius Fil Am Invitational (seniors edition).

1 min

Chery hands PLDT first loss

Chery Tiggo found a way to slow down Savi Davison as it dumped PLDT, 25-12, 25-23, 20-25, 25-22, yesterday to get into the thick of things in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

1 min

Welcoming more rookies

SPORTING CHANCE

1 min

Wolves blow out Lakers

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Julius Randle scored 18 points and Rudy Gobert had 17 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves past the Los Angeles Lakers 109-80 on Monday night.

1 min

POC vows bigger things to come

Newly-reelected POC president Mayor Bambol Tolentino is renewing efforts to bring more glory to the country after milestone feats at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics and SEA and Asian Games under his watch.

1 min

Altas Booters back in NCAA

Perpetual Help is returning to NCAA football under the guidance of coach Adrian Bequillo, currently AFC-B licensed with international coaching experience in Japan and Vietnam.

1 min

IBPAP upbeat despite global uncertainties

The country's information technology-business process management (IT-BPM) industry remains upbeat despite the possible impact of external policies and global economic uncertainties due to the reelection of US president Donald Trump.

1 min

Nat'l debt surpasses P16-T mark in October

New record high

2 mins

BizNewsAsia honors top tycoons, professionals

BizNewsAsia Philippines, publisher of the country's largest weekly business and news magazine, honored 16 of the Philippines' outstanding CEOs, professionals and personalities for 2024.

1 min

Google Wallet, Apple Pay may enter Phl market – BSP

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is in talks with tech giants Google and Apple over their potential entry into the Philippine payments system through Google Wallet and Apple Pay.

1 min

PSEi slips on lack of fresh leads

The local stock market posted a slight dip yesterday as investors continued their search for a strong catalyst that would help support a sustained upward trajectory before the year ends.

1 min

Cathy Yang retires from PLDT

Multi-awarded financial journalist Catherine Yap-Yang has retired from her post as first vice president and head for corporate communications of telco giant PLDT Inc.

1 min

Smart expects 5G expansion to drive revenues in 2025

Smart Communications Inc., the wireless subsidiary of PLDT Inc., expects its 5G network expansion to drive revenue growth next year.

1 min

SMIC cited as leader in transparency, gender equality

SM Investments Corp. (SMIC) has been recognized anew for its efforts in gender equality.

1 min

Rich politicians, poor people

I came across a meme on Facebook that said: \"The Philippines is one of the poorest countries but with the wealthiest government officials.\"

4 mins

BDO optimistic on loan growth in 2025

Sy-led BDO Unibank Inc. sees continued loan growth in 2025, citing robust economic activity, steady demand for loans and potential regulatory adjustments.

2 mins

Grab to complete training facility for drivers

Grab Philippines is set to complete by early next year a new facility dedicated to empowering its growing ecosystem of drivers, riders and merchant-partners.

1 min

Global private debt drops

According to an International Monetary Fund blog post jointly authored by Vitor Gaspar, Carlos Goncalves and Marcos Poplawski-Ribeiro, global private debt fell by 2.8 percentage points to 143 percent of GDP, below the 2019 level.

4 mins

Fuji-Haya Electric Corp. and LS Electric Korea products exhibited at the 49th IIEE Annual National Convention

Fuji-Haya Electric Corporation has reasserted its pre-eminent position again as the country’s top switch gear manufacturer at the recently concluded IIEE 49th Annual National Convention held last November 27 – December 1, 2024 at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City.

1 min

PHILSTARTECH

There’s a failsafe! When you lose Internet, the modem automatically switches you to LTE data via WiFi.

1 min

PLDT launches 'Always On' broadband modem that switches to LTE during service interruption

PLDT has launched a rather interesting new wired broadband service called Always On.

1 min

The Volvo EX30 is the brand's first car under new distributor HARI

There are many considerations in choosing a vehicle, more so now in the era of electrification. If you're on the lookout for the safest offering in the market, the Volvo EX30 should be at the top of your list.

2 mins

Tamaraw uprising TOYOTA'S HALLOWED UTE NAMEPLATE GIRDS FOR A RETURN

Designed for the Asian market, the Tamaraw's return is even more significant because it will be manufactured in Santa Rosa.

2 mins

Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid: High performance meets electrified efficiency

The full-size plug-in hybrid electric model offers a longer driving range, shorter charging times, and higher system output

2 mins

Foton Motor PH wins multiple awards at Foton AP Conference

Foton Motor Philippines, Inc. (FMPI) received multiple accolades at the Foton Asia Pacific Partners Conference 2025 held in Bangkok, Thailand from November 27 to 28.

3 mins

Gov't seizes P2 B smuggled agri-fishery goods

Combined operatives from several regulatory agencies have seized over P2 billion worth of smuggled agricultural and fishery products since January, according to the Department of Agriculture.

1 min

Phl sees bright trade prospects under Trump 2.0

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is hopeful the return of US president-elect Donald Trump will provide benefits to the Philippines, citing the two countries' strong trade ties.

2 mins

Jan-Nov PEZA approvals hit P201.5 B

Investments approved by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) have reached P201.55 billion as of end-November, surpassing the full-year 2024 target.

1 min

DBM launches LGSF releases dashboard

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has launched a dashboard designed to monitor and analyze the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) releases as part of its efforts to embrace digitalization and transparency.

2 mins

Health, business among top Pinoy goals - study

Financial security to address health emergencies and starting one's own business were identified as top dreams of Filipinos as they aspire to be resilient and self-sufficient, according to the Boston Consulting Group (BCG).

1 min

Gov't hikes revenue target this year

The government is targeting higher revenues for 2024 while keeping its medium-term fiscal goals for 2025 to 2028 largely unchanged, according to the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC).

1 min

THE WORLD OF KIRK BONDAD

SAIGON—Handsome is a lame word to describe Kirk Bondad. Our Mr. World Philippines is not just beauty and brawn. He is also an embodiment of brains and breeding.

3 mins

'A MAN IS SEXY IF HE HAS A STRONG PURPOSE IN LIFE AND IS KIND TO OTHERS.'

A few days before the Mr. World competition in Hanoi, we asked Kirk Bondad some questions. He managed to answer amid all the tension and frenzy.

3 mins

Cruising with Criselda

Criselda’s fashion line always makes one feel feminine and beautiful.

1 min

ARTISTS CONJURE NEW DREAMS FOR TIFFANY

The most spectacular windows during our visit would have to be the ones at Selfridges, thanks to Tiffany and Co.

4 mins

FUJII KAZE WANTS HIS PINOY FANS TO 'FEEL SPECIAL' AT HIS CONCERT

Japanese singer-songwriter Fujii Kaze wants his Filipino fans to feel \"special\" when he performs his J-pop, R&B beats at his Dec. 10 gig at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena.

1 min

Elton John says he has lost his eyesight and struggles to see his new stage musical

LONDON - Elton John says he struggled to watch his new musical because he has lost his eyesight after contracting an infection.

1 min

'Sugat sa Dugo' young stars Khai Flores and Shira Tweg score acting awards

Director Danny Ugali's advocacy film about HIV/AIDS (Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus/Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome), \"Sugat sa Dugo (Wounded Blood),\" was the acting debut of both of its young stars, Khai Flores and Shira Tweg.

3 mins

Rahyan Carlos on training and producing 'empowered' actors

\"At the moment, it's really starting, it's really pioneering,\" said Rahyan about the artists agency and its talents in a recent virtual interview with The STAR.

3 mins

LINO CAYETANO TO LAUNCH 'DRUG WAR' AT ASIA TV FORUM AND MARKET

FILMMAKER LINO Cayetano is set to launch \"Drug War: A Conspiracy of Silence,\" the latest series from his production outfit Rein Entertainment, at the Asia TV Forum and Market. The 25th edition of the region's leading international content market for buying, selling, financing, distribution and co-production is now happening at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

3 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.