The Philippine Star - December 20, 2024

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December 20, 2024

Veloso clemency far off, up to legal experts - BBM

President Marcos is leaving it up to legal experts to determine if Mary Jane Veloso, the Filipina worker who returned to the Philippines last Wednesday after being on death row in Indonesia for 14 years for drug trafficking, can be given clemency.

3 mins

PNP, Tik Tok link up vs online scams

The Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and TikTok have beefed up efforts against online scams and sexual exploitation.

1 min

Bato, Go ready to face crimes against humanity case

Senators Ronald \"Bato\" dela Rosa and Bong Go said they are ready to face a case for crimes against humanity in local courts after the House of Representatives' quad committee recommended charges against them for their role in the deadly war on drugs.

3 mins

New PAF chief faces challenges of new security landscape

There is no room for complacency as the Philippines faces a changing security landscape, President Marcos said yesterday, as he installed former Armed Forces vice chief Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura as the new commanding general of the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

2 mins

Marcos vows to review 2025 budget insertions

Citing items that are unclear or without appropriate documentation, President Marcos yesterday vowed to look into what he described as \"insertions\" in the proposed 2025 national budget to ensure that safeguards are in place and priority programs are given enough funding.

5 mins

Comelec suspends work on Dec. 24 and 31

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has suspended work on Dec. 24 and 31 and will not entertain filing of petitions on these dates.

1 min

BBM: I'm on call during holidays

President Marcos is planning to spend the holidays in Baguio and Ilocos, but will continue to make himself available in case he needs to attend to important matters.

1 min

DA orders import ban on live cattle from Japan

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has banned the importation of live cattle and buffalo from Japan amid the outbreak of lumpy skin disease (LSD).

2 mins

3rd impeachment complaint filed vs VP Sara

A third impeachment complaint has been filed against Vice President Sara Duterte, this time by a group of lawyers and clergy, citing as grounds her misuse of hundreds of millions of pesos of her confidential funds, including when she was secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd).

3 mins

DA to submit 'wish list' to Marcos

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. will submit today a \"wish list\" to President Marcos, including a proposal to certify as urgent a bill to return the powers of the National Food Authority.

1 min

Pope praises Pinoys for their faith

Pope Francis has praised Filipinos for their faith, describing the work of some of them working in the Vatican as \"fantastic\" because of \"the faith they have and the witness they give.\"

1 min

'Hosting loss and damage fund bodes well for Phl'

The lead official of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage said that the hosting of the FrLD bodes well for the Philippines as he praised President Marcos for his vision and dedication to the climate fund's success.

1 min

Romualdez opens BBM center at VLMC

Speaker Martin Romualdez inaugurated on Tuesday the Bagong Bayaning Mandirigma (BBM) casualty and cancer care center in Quezon City.

1 min

New polymer banknote series launched; Ninov, Cory out

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) yesterday presented to President Marcos the first Philippine polymer banknote series that showcases the country's rich biodiversity and cultural heritage – bills that will be available in time for Christmas.

2 mins

No reduction in PhilHealth benefits, services - Marcos

The services provided by the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) would continue and may even expand despite zero subsidies, President Marcos said yesterday, as his administration faces criticism for backing a move to scrap the state-run insurer's subsidy because of its multibillion-peso reserve fund.

2 mins

Marcos offers free LRT, MRT rides today

To help ease the financial burden of commuters during the holidays, President Marcos is offering free train rides today.

1 min

PCG on alert for Christmas

Starting today, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will be on heightened alert in anticipation of the influx of sea travelers this Christmas.

1 min

LTFRB: 956 PUVs get special permits

In anticipation of the surge of travelers this Christmas, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) yesterday issued 956 special permits to public utility vehicles or PUVs.

1 min

QC top contributor to Phl economy in 2023 - PSA

Quezon City made the largest contribution to the Philippine economy last year, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

1 min

Ex-UP president Nemenzo, 89

Martial law activist, political scientist and former University of the Philippines (UP) president Francisco Nemenzo passed away yesterday.

1 min

Reviving the fireworks industry

For several years now, the fireworks industry has seen declining sales.

1 min

Stop, thief!

For an agency that is being allocated the lion's share of the 2025 national budget, at a staggering P1.1 trillion, it's amazing that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) cannot build and maintain even a 40-kilometer elevated road in Metro Manila.

4 mins

You can't fool all of the people all of the time

As details of the 2025 National Budget came out, various sectors started calling it as a budget for members of Congress and not for the Philippines.

4 mins

No food left behind

ROSES & THORNS

3 mins

Maltreatment is child abuse

A LAW EACH DAY [Keeps Trouble Away]

3 mins

They're blatantly lying to hide budget plunder

Ang sinungaling ay kapatid ng magnanakaw.

3 mins

New patron of arts

Convicted drug mule Mary Jane Veloso, who had been nearly executed by firing squad in 2015, was finally freed from prison in Indonesia.

4 mins

Phivolcs records 24 earthquakes at Kanlaon

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) yesterday recorded at least 24 volcanic earthquakes at Kanlaon Volcano in Negros, amid the threat of another possible eruption.

2 mins

PPA sees over 4.5 million travelers this season

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) expects more than 4.5 million passengers to travel by sea during the Christmas season as it assured the public that measures are in place to prevent congestion and promote safety.

1 min

Comelec bares 280 nominees for BARMM polls

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has released the full list of 280 nominees of seven regional parliamentary political parties (RPPPs) that will participate in the 2025 Bangsamoro parliamentary elections.

1 min

Grandfather wins 6/42 lotto prize

A grandfather residing in Antipolo City, Rizal was the sole winner of the P16.6-million lotto 6/42 jackpot prize last Nov. 26.

1 min

SoKor: NoKor troops suffer 100 deaths in Ukraine

At least 100 North Korean troops deployed to Russia have been killed, with another 1,000 injured in combat against Ukrainian forces in intense fighting in the Kursk region, a South Korean lawmaker said yesterday, citing the country's spy agency.

1 min

Pelicot jailed for 20 years

In landmark French rape case that horrified world

1 min

Zelensky huddles with European leaders as Trump looms

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with NATO chief Mark Rutte and key European leaders in Brussels on Dec. 18 to strategize over Russia's war ahead of Donald Trump's return to the White House.

1 min

Carey concludes 'Christmas Time' concert tour in Brooklyn

Mariah Carey (in photo) is the Queen of Christmas for a reason - and not just because \"All I Want for Christmas Is You\" tops the charts seasonally.

1 min

Israeli airstrikes hit Yemen's rebel-held capital, port city

A series of intense Israeli airstrikes shook Yemen's rebel-held capital and a port city early yesterday and killed at least nine people, officials said, shortly after a Houthi missile targeted central Israel.

1 min

US Supreme Court to consider TikTok's bid to halt ban

The US Supreme Court decided on Dec. 18 to hear a bid by TikTok and its China-based parent company ByteDance to block a law intended to force the sale of the short-video app by Jan. 19 or face a ban on national security grounds.

1 min

Teenage girl's motive in Wisconsin shooting still unexplained

Investigators were still working on Wednesday to determine why a teenage girl opened fire two days ago at her private Christian school in Madison, Wisconsin, killing a fellow student and a teacher before taking her own life.

1 min

Third draw for Phl XI

The Philippines is clinging on to its semifinal hopes in the Asean Championship-Mitsubishi Electric Cup despite Wednesday's painful 1-1 draw with Vietnam.

1 min

FIBERXERS GO TWO IN A ROW

Converge started weak but finished strong to foil Phoenix Super LPG, 116-105, and notch back-to-back wins in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup last night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

1 min

AFTER THE RED COMES GOLD: A 33-YEAR DROUGHT-BREAKING VICTORY FOR THE MAPÚA CARDINALS

The Mapúa Cardinals have finally declared timeout on the bleeding of their 3-decade waiting period with a golden shot that crowned them the Men's Basketball Champions of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 100.

3 mins

All or nothing for Magsayo

MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons knows it's an all-or-nothing deal for WBC No. 3 superfeatherweight Mark Magsayo as he can't afford to lose his next two fights in lining himself up for a title shot.

2 mins

BOI-approved investments hit record P1.62 T

Investment pledges approved by the Board of Investments (BOI) hit a record high of P1.62 trillion this year, exceeding the agency's 2024 target.

1 min

BOP gap swells to over 2-year high

The country's balance of payments (BOP) deficit swelled to the highest level in over two years in November as the national government paid its external debt, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

2 mins

BSP slashes interest rates again

TO SUPPORT ECONOMY

2 mins

Stocks down, peso pierces 59:$1

The local stock market took its cues from US equities, extending its decline to seven consecutive sessions as it plunged back

1 min

Unilever Phl aims to sustain business growth

Consumer goods giant Unilever Philippines is looking to sustain business growth following initiatives to strengthen local manufacturing operations and improve supply chain processes.

1 min

SM Prime raising P25 B from bond offer

SM Prime Holdings Inc., the integrated property developer of the Sy family, targets to raise another P25 billion from a planned bond offering to fund its upcoming investments and refinance debt.

1 min

ACEN to build 936-MW wind farm in Australia

Ayala-led ACEN Corp. is further strengthening its presence in Australia with the development of a 936-megawatt (MW) wind farm targeted for commercial operations by 2030.

1 min

DOE endorses 6 power projects

Six new and existing power projects secured certificates of endorsement (COE) from the Department of Energy (DOE) in November, moving a step closer to commercial operations.

1 min

Save wildlife from extinction

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in partnership with SM Supermalls, BDO Unibank, Kultura, the Forest Foundation Philippines, Katala Foundation, Philippine Eagle Foundation, World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines, D'Aboville Foundation and the Zoological Society of London - Philippines, has embarked on a campaign to raise funds to support the protection and conservation of six of the country's unique animal species that are critically endangered.

5 mins

Rich country, poor country

Every time I go to Singapore to visit my son and his family, I can't help but wonder how a small island about the size of Metro Manila but half its population and with no natural resources can be a First World economy.

4 mins

SRA to cut proposed import fee on sugar alternatives

The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) board is looking at reducing the proposed clearance fee on imported sugar alternatives after beverage makers and industrial users complained that the initial P10 amount could be \"inflationary.\"

1 min

FLI pushing through with P12 B bond issue

Filinvest Land Inc. (FLI), the Gotianun family's listed property developer, is tapping the bond market anew as it looks to raise as much as P12 billion from a fresh round of bond offering.

1 min

Ferronoux acquiring P4.3B property adjacent to Okada Manila

Ferronoux Holdings Inc., a listed company led by Michael Cosiquien, is set to acquire parcels of land adjacent to the Okada Manila integrated casino resort in Parañaque City worth P4.3 billion in a property-for-share swap deal.

2 mins

Local vendors post 5-fold increase during 12.12 sale

Local businesses registered a five-fold increase in sales during Shopee's recent 12.12 sale, demonstrating the campaign's popularity among Filipino consumers.

1 min

PSE warns vs scheme using name of subsidiary CMIC

The Philippine Stock Exchange Inc. (PSE) is warning the public against a solicitation scheme using the name of its subsidiary, Capital Markets Integrity Corp. (CMIC).

1 min

THE COUNTDOWN TO A GREENER FUTURE BEGINS NOW Three industries lead the climate change fight

Three industries lead the climate change fight

1 min

GREEN IS GOOD... FOR BUSINESS

Different ways green innovation boosts businesses' market value

3 mins

Feasibility study for ferry system ready by Q1 2025

The government expects to complete the feasibility study for the proposed ferry system that will traverse Manila Bay, Pasig River and Laguna de Bay by early next year, according to the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center.

1 min

Phl, Hungary eyeing stronger economic ties

The Philippines and Hungary are looking to further deepen trade and investment relations by focusing on key sectors such as electronics and semiconductors, information technology-business process management (IT-BPM) and software development.

1 min

Phl Islamic finance poised for growth, says Fitch

Government initiatives aimed at developing the Islamic finance industry in the Philippines are set to boost the sector's growth over the medium to long-term, according to Fitch Ratings.

1 min

BAP names 2 administrators of treasury certification program

The Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP) has identified the Ateneo Graduate School of Business Center for Continuing Education and the Asian Institute of Management (AIM)-School of Executive Education and Lifelong Learning (SEELL) as two administrators of its treasury certification program.

1 min

DepEd lauds Aboitiz Foundation's education programs

The secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd) has commended Aboitiz Foundation for its efforts to improve the country's education sector.

2 mins

GOLDILOCKS' NEW PRODUCTS WILL CERTAINLY BRING JOY TO YOUR HOLIDAY FEAST

There's nothing like a Filipino feast for the holidays.

1 min

PORCHETTA, UNLIMITED SANGRIA & MORE!

The Bistro Group's Spanish arm Bistronomia's restaurants Las Flores, Tomatito, Rambla, Rumba and BCN by Las Flores are serving Porchetta that deserves a spot on any holiday gathering spread.

1 min

HOLIDAY TAKEAWAYS

Newport World Resorts offers a selection of exquisite holiday takeaways, perfect for making celebrations at home effortless and memorable.

2 mins

GALLERY BY CHELE X HUSET: A TASTE OF THE NORTH POLE

In Svalbard, Norway, every morning routine takes careful planning.

4 mins

HOSPITAL PLAYLIST'S UJU'S FAVE EGG SANDWICH IS FINALLY HERE!

Watching K-Dramas not only guarantees to tug at your heart-strings but can also induce hunger, what with the most tempting and appetizing array of Korean food and delicacies you see on your screen.

3 mins

THE TASTIEST TIME OF THE YEAR AT PROSCENIUM RETAIL ROW

Celebrate the holidays in style at the Proscenium Retail Row, where a curated lineup of food and beverage havens offers the most delectable Festive Feasts.

2 mins

A HOLIDAY FEAST OF JEWISH HOMECOOKING

Since I've been teaching cooking for such a long time, some people are surprised that I still like to take classes myself.

2 mins

A CHRISTMAS OF FOOD DREAMS

City of Dreams Manila's signature Cantonese restaurant highlights a five-course set menu available for lunch and dinner from Dec. 16 to Jan. 1, 2025.

1 min

The making of 'Isang Himala”

It is a story that owes its provenance to a series of alleged Marian apparitions nearly six decades ago.

10 mins

'The kindness of Christmas'

We will help you.\" I grabbed the opportunity and enrolled at St. Vincent,\" she said. Now, Jenny is back to school, on remission, and on a mission.

5 mins

Kevin Andrew L. Tan: Family, friends, faith & the Filipino

Because tycoon Kevin Tan, CEO of the Alliance Global Group Inc. (AGI), anchors his life and work on very distinct and solid values, his world has become a mega world.

3 mins

Like architecture itself, 'The Brutalist' is an epic exercise in ambition and grandeur

\"The making of a good building,\" observed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, \"is a great moral performance.\"

2 mins

"ISANG HIMALA" STAR AICELLE SANTOS REVEALS REAL-LIFE MIRACLES

FOR \"ISANG HIMALA\" lead actress, Aicelle Santos, real-life miracles come in threes.

2 mins

Geoff Eigenmann enjoys role as family man

It was nice seeing and talking to Geoff Eigenmann after a long time. The actor has been enjoying his roles as a loving husband to Maya Flores and a doting father to their three wonderful kids. Being away from the limelight is a change of pace and a big turnaround for Geoff but he wouldn't have it any other way.

2 mins

PH PROPERTY MARKET IN 2025: KNOW YOUR DEMAND BEFORE YOU EXPAND

We are seeing stifled completion of new condominium units in Metro Manila. Tempered new launches would mean tempered take-up particularly for condominiums in Metro Manila given the sizeable number of unsold pre-selling and completed/ready for occupancy (RFO) units right now in the capital region.

3 mins

Vista Land Lights Up the Islands this Christmas

The holiday season is a time of connection and tradition—a celebration of stories shared around the table, the sparkle of lights that ignite childlike awe, and the warmth of a loved one's embrace.

5 mins

Home for the holidays

The holiday season in the Philippines is a time of warmth, connection, and cherished traditions.

2 mins

The FNG promise: Transforming Filipino lifestyles with Japanese design and innovation

By combining Japanese precision with Filipino values, FNG is redefining how homes are designed and built—purposeful, efficient, and forward-thinking.

3 mins

Discover Vermosa: Where community, progress, and wellness meet

Vermosa, Ayala Land's 752-hectare mixed-use development in Cavite, continues to define modern suburban living.

1 min

Holiday at Play 2024: A Christmas wonderland in Vermosa

This holiday season, Holiday at Play returns to Vermosa to bring families and friends together in a dazzling Christmas celebration.

1 min

Genteelhome: Celebrating Filipino craftsmanship with purpose and passion

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Pampanga, Genteelhome has been crafting more than just furniture—it has been telling stories of Filipino heritage and artistry since its founding in 2013.

2 mins

Angeles City: A new era of opportunity

In the heart of Pampanga lies Angeles City, a dynamic urban hub that strikes the perfect balance between rich cultural traditions and modern conveniences.

2 mins

Power Plant Mall Angeles at Rockwell at Nepo Center: An expansion of a legacy, set to open in Q4 2027

In the vibrant heart of Makati City lies a development that redefined urban living and retail experiences in the Philippines—Power Plant Mall.

3 mins

Shang Properties champions sustainability in Cebu with mangrove planting initiative

Shang Properties, in partnership with Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO), the city's environmental management and protection agency and through its subsidiary Shang Properties Realty Corporation, recently conducted a tree planting activity last November 16, 2024.

1 min

A decade of aspirations: ARES 2024 looks to the future of urban living

The 10th edition of the PropertyGuru Asia Real Estate Summit (ARES), the thought leadership platform of PropertyGuru Group, gathered experts and thought leaders to discuss the intersecting issues moving and shaking the real estate industry, including technology, design, business development, economics, and more.

4 mins

CELEBRATING 27 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE: SUNTRUST PROPERTIES NAMED INNOVATIVE COMMUNITY BUILDER OF 2024

Suntrust Properties, Inc. (SPI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Megaworld Corporation commemorates its 27th anniversary with a remarkable accolade.

1 min

THROUGH AN ARCHITECT'S LENS: SM PRIME'S VISION FOR GREEN AND INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT

With an average of 20 typhoons entering the country per year, incorporating disaster resilience and sustainability in building designs have become essential to SM's integrated property developer arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc.

3 mins

19th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final: Honoring Asia's Best in Real Estate

The 19th Annual PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final, held at The Athenee Hotel in Bangkok, celebrated Asia's finest real estate and design achievements.

2 mins

SCIENCE PARK OF THE PHILIPPINES SHINES BRIGHT IN BANGKOK

LISP IV achieves excellence as the only finalist for Asia's Best Industrial Development in 2024

1 min

THE TOP 10 MOST IMPORTANT CARS OF 2024

Twenty twenty-four was a banner year for the Philippine car industry. Not only did it mark a post-pandemic sales figure that pretty much equals 2019's best ever industry sales in Philippine automotive history, it also saw a dramatic shift not necessarily in sheer sales volume (which is resolutely increasing), but definitely in public perception—towards New Energy Vehicles.

5 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.