The Philippine Star - January 04, 2025

En este asunto

January 04, 2025

Manhunt on for 11,254 foreign POGO workers

More than 11,000 foreign workers of shuttered Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hubs are now considered illegal aliens and are being hunted for deportation by immigration authorities.

4 mins

DOH Debunks Claims of Int'l Health Concern

The Department of Health (DOH) has dismissed reports circulating on social media about an alleged international health concern.

1 min

Chavit Finally Brings to PH Affordable Iconic E-Jeepney. Chavit: New Iconic E-Jeepney, Milestone in PUVMP

After years of anticipation, the unveiling of a new iconic Philippine jeepney on Saturday marks a significant milestone in the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).

3 mins

BFAR appeals SC ruling on delimitation of municipal waters

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has asked the Supreme Court (SC) to reverse its decision allowing commercial fishing within the country's 15-kilometer municipal waters reserved for small-scale fishers.

2 mins

BBM Reorganizes NSC, Drops VP, Ex-Presidents

The vice president and past presidents of the country are no longer part of the National Security Council, under a new executive order issued by President Marcos to ensure that the NSC could \"adapt to evolving challenges.\"

4 mins

Removing branding on rice to proceed

As part of government efforts to bring down the retail price of rice, the move of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. to remove branding on rice will proceed, despite warnings that it could further sow confusion.

2 mins

8 Tropical Cyclones in PAR from January to June - Pagasa

Two to eight tropical cyclones could form within the Philippine area of responsibility in the first half of this year, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

1 min

Stay out of Traslacion, pols told

Candidates in the May 2025 midterm elections should not take advantage of the annual Traslacion and should respect religious devotees, according to the Commission on Elections.

1 min

DSWD chief bans election bets from AKAP payout sites

Candidates in the midterm polls are banned from payout areas for the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, to insulate AKAP from politicians, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said yesterday.

2 mins

DepEd, DOST Vow to Boost Science Education

The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) vowed stronger collaboration in order to strengthen science education in public schools.

1 min

DSWD says 2024 a challenging, but outstanding year

The year 2024 may have been a challenging year for the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) with the country suffering severe calamities, but it was also an outstanding one for the agency.

2 mins

AMLC Lifts Asset Freeze on 13 Delisted as Terror Suspects

The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has lifted the freeze order and other financial sanctions on the assets of 13 people delisted as terrorist entities, but maintained those for 17 others.

1 min

Despite end of holidays, vegetable prices remain high

The retail price of vegetables remained high despite the end of the holidays, with tomatoes reaching P350 per kilo, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

1 min

Removing

Meanwhile, watchdog group Bantay Bigas yesterday said that the move of the government to sell \"sulit rice\" and \"nutri rice\" is a \"deceptive tactic\" amid the broken promise to bring down the retail price of the staple to P20 per kilo.

2 mins

'Suspend cruel SSS contribution hike'

The government should suspend the Social Security System (SSS) \"cruel New Year's gift\" of higher contribution rates, from 14 to 15 percent, according to Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas.

1 min

Address triple planetary crisis this year

The Philippines should address this year the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution and loss of biodiversity, according to Sen. Loren Legarda.

1 min

Oil Price Hike to Greet Motorists Next Week

Following a recent rollback, motorists can expect fuel prices to increase in the second week of the year.

1 min

Drilon raises alarm on unchecked pork barrel

Former Senate president Franklin Drilon raised alarm over the staggering P731.4 billion in pork barrel allocations across 2024 and 2025, a massive amount that has largely remained unchecked.

1 min

Masbate submersible drone probe sought

Citing security concerns, Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino is calling for a probe into the submersible drone recently found in Masbate.

1 min

Groups vs VP willing to meet, discuss impeach complaints

A lawyer for proponents of the third impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte is open to having discussions with the legal team of two other petitioners, as proposed by ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro.

2 mins

Comelec: Erice's disqualification final, executory

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has declared its decision to disqualify former congressman Edgar Erice from running in the May 2025 elections as final and executory.

2 mins

Las Piñas Area Declared Special Economic Zone

President Marcos has declared the One Townsquare Place in Las Piñas City as a special economic zone.

1 min

NCRPO Reports Fewer Firecracker, Bullet Injuries

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) recorded a 50-percent drop in the number of stray bullet cases in Metro Manila during the Yuletide season last year.

1 min

US embassies worldwide closed on Jan. 9

The United States embassy in Manila and other US foreign missions worldwide will be closed on Jan. 9 to mark the national day of mourning for the late US president Jimmy Carter who died Sunday at the age of 100.

1 min

Palace declares Jan. 9 a holiday in Manila

Malacañang has declared Jan. 9 as a special non-working day in the city of Manila for the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

2 mins

Inflation-bound

Through all of 2025, we will be battling inflation. It will be an uphill battle—considering we have a government seemingly bent on stoking inflation than quelling it.

3 mins

We are what we eat

As we start the new year, a lot of resolutions will again be made and, without fail, we will not follow all of them anyway. But we try and every year, we would like to start on a clean slate. Let us try once more to change our diets because we are what we eat.

4 mins

Epal pols keep out

Brushing aside concerns over possible fund misuse, President Marcos retained the allocation inserted by Congress in the 2025 national budget for the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program. AKAP, administered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, duplicates the functions of another DSWD-run unconditional cash dole-out, the AICS or Assistance for Individuals in Crisis Situations.

1 min

Gaza Truce Efforts Proceed Cautiously

Talks between Israel and Hamas to end the war in the Gaza Strip and free the remaining hostages have appeared to make little headway, according to officials familiar with the discussions, as the clock runs down on the Biden administration's remaining days to reach an agreement on a ceasefire.

1 min

Hope, fear and change in the New Year

Filipinos have entered 2025 with the least hope and the most fear since 2009.

3 mins

Denim in the White House? President Carter made it so

In the 1970s, jeans weren't considered presidential. Former president Gerald Ford, a square-jawed Republican, wore stocky suits, and while it's possible that Lyndon Johnson or John F. Kennedy wore denim in the Oval Office, there is no record of them in Levi's as they held the nation's highest office.

3 mins

One-fifth of world's children live amid armed conflicts

While I wish everyone a happy new year, especially children, I am constrained to write about the dire plight of children living in areas of armed conflict, specifically in Palestine's now devastated Gaza Strip.

4 mins

ASF Cases Down 38%

Cases of African swine fever (ASF) have decreased by 38 percent after the number of barangays with reported outbreaks went down to 225 from 365 previously, according to the Bureau of Animal Industry.

1 min

Firecracker-related deaths now 2

The number of fatalities from firecracker explosions during the holidays has increased to two after another man succumbed to injuries he suffered from lighting a \"triangle,\" according to the Department of Health.

2 mins

49,577 Students Displaced by Kanlaon Eruption

Up to 49,577 students from 88 schools on Negros Island have been affected by the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano, according to the Department of Education.

1 min

Search for missing Pinoy seafarer suspended

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has suspended the search for a Filipino crewmember of a bulk carrier who fell overboard as the vessel was sailing in the waters off Basilan and Sulu early this week.

1 min

Investigators begin lifting Jeju Air wreckage after fatal crash

South Korean investigators yesterday began lifting the wreckage of the Jeju Air plane that crashed five days ago, killing 179 people in the worst aviation disaster on its soil, AFP reporters saw.

1 min

SoKor's impeached president defies warrant after hourslong standoff

South Korean investigators left the official residence of impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol after a near-six-hour standoff yesterday during which he defied their attempt to detain him.

1 min

Vegas Tesla blast suspect's motive unknown; death ruled suicide

The decorated US special forces soldier who blew up a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas shot himself in the head before the blast, authorities said on Thursday, adding that his motivation was still \"unknown.\"

1 min

SoKor's Impeached President Defies Warrant After Hourslong Standoff

A US army veteran loyal to the Islamic State jihadist group likely acted alone when he killed 14 and injured dozens in a truck attack on a crowd of New Year revelers in New Orleans, the Federal Bureau of Investigation said on Thursday.

1 min

Singer Wayne Osmond dead at 73

Wayne Osmond, a singer, guitarist and founding member of the million-selling family act The Osmonds, who were known for such 1970s teen hits as \"One Bad Apple,\" \"Yo-Yo\" and \"Down By the Lazy River,\" has died. He was 73.

1 min

Meghan Markle's Lifestyle Show Premieres Jan. 15 on Netflix

Meghan Markle (in photo), the actress wife of Britain's Prince Harry, will launch her new lifestyle and cooking show on Netflix on Jan. 15, she announced on Thursday on social media.

1 min

Palestinian Authority Suspends Al Jazeera Broadcasts

The Palestinian Authority (PA) has ordered the suspension of broadcasts by Al Jazeera, a move the Qatar-based television network condemned on Thursday as reminiscent of Israeli practices.

1 min

PSC Wants More for National Pool

The Philippine Sports Commission will ask Congress to support its plan of increasing the national athletes' monthly allowance this year to help boost the latter's morale and sustain the gains from last year.

1 min

Nothing radical in Novak's plan

After winning just one tournament in 2024 — a Paris Olympics gold medal — former No. 1 Novak Djokovic says he, and with new coach Andy Murray’s input, has a plan to take on the game’s newcomers.

1 min

Eala falls short of Canberra final

Alex Eala's dream run came to an abrupt end at the hands of China's Sijia Wei, absorbing a 7-5, 6-2 loss to crash out of the Workday Canberra International yesterday in Australia.

1 min

International life

It is always a rare privilege to cover any sporting event overseas.

2 mins

Malixi hangs on with 74

Defending champion Rianne Malixi recovered from a shaky start and fired three closing birdies to card a one-over 74 in the opening round of the Women's Australian Master of the Amateurs yesterday in Victoria, Australia.

1 min

Party's Over For PBA Clubs

As the PBA Commissioner's Cup hits the court tomorrow after the holiday break, two major questions beg for answers.

1 min

ABAP builds up for new year

Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) secretary-general Marcus Manalo said yesterday the national pool of 43 is taking a break from joining competitions until possibly the Thailand Open in May but will continue to train and build up for the new year with the World Boxing Championships in Liverpool in September and the SEA Games in Bangkok in December the highlights of a busy calendar.

1 min

CURRY CAN'T MISS

Stephen Curry had 30 points and made all eight of his three-point attempts, and the Golden State Warriors beat the Philadelphia 76ers 139-105 on Thursday night.

1 min

Producer Prices Rise in Nov

Factory gate prices inched up in November, driven mainly by the increase in the prices of computer and electronic products, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

1 min

M&A deals hit $8.6 B in 2024

Merger and acquisitions (M&A) transactions in the Philippines jumped by 37 percent to $8.6 billion in 2024 from $6.2 billion in 2023, according to a report by PwC Philippines.

2 mins

BSP Sees Lower BOP Surplus in 2024

The country's 2024 balance of payments (BOP) surplus is expected to decline compared to a year ago amid slower economic growth and persistent geopolitical tensions, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

2 mins

Bargain hunting continues to lift market

The local stock market closed higher for a second straight session yesterday as investors continued to shop for bargains following the holidays

1 min

SMC's Amended By-Laws Cleared by SEC

Diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) has secured regulatory approval for the amendments to its by-laws, which delineate the roles and duties of the chairman and chief executive officer, as well as the president and chief operating officer.

1 min

More Petron car care centers underway

Petron Corp. is revving up plans to expand its network with more specialized hubs for automotive maintenance services after opening the company's largest one to date.

1 min

MPWS, Hitachi to explore wastewater projects in Phl

A unit of Metro Pacific Water (MPW) will explore wastewater management projects in the Philippines with a subsidiary of Japanese multinational Hitachi Ltd., including development of new treatment plants.

1 min

JFC Completes Takeover of Tim Ho Wan

Asian food conglomerate Jollibee Foods Corp. (JFC) has completed its takeover of the management and ownership of Tim Ho Wan.

1 min

Spotting macro and micro trends for the new year

After a dash of research and some sleuthing through the works of futurists and business experts, I've pieced together a snapshot of the trends to shape the year ahead.

3 mins

BCDA Unit Takes Over San Fernando Seaport Operations

State-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has authorized its subsidiary, Poro Point Management Corp. (PPMC), to manage the San Fernando Seaport in La Union until a new operator is chosen.

1 min

Nearly 5-M Passengers in Seaports for Holidays

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) expects to close the Christmas season facilitating the travel of close to 4.6 million Filipinos who went to their holiday destinations by sea.

1 min

Apple Agrees to $95-M Deal to Settle Siri Eavesdropping Suit

Apple has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a lawsuit accusing its digital assistant Siri of listening in on users' private conversations.

1 min

China Is 'Determined' To Open Up To World In 2025 - Official

China is \"determined\" to continue opening up its economy to the world in 2025, a top economic planning official said yesterday, as Beijing steels itself for potential trade turmoil when US president-elect Donald Trump takes office.

1 min

The 4Ps of Sustainability

In the dynamic world of digital finance, where shifts are constant, success demands more than staying afloat and keeping pace.

4 mins

Food security remains elusive

Broiler raisers have been lamenting about the declining liveweight prices of chicken, with prices falling by more than P20 per kilo after Christmas, the steepest decline ever.

5 mins

Gotianun, ESAMELCO Seek ERC Nod for New Urgent Power Deal

Gotianun-led FDC Misamis Power Corp. (FDCMPC) is seeking regulatory approval for its new emergency power supply agreement (EPSA) with an electric cooperative that serves Eastern Samar.

1 min

Globe Joins Global Call for Action to Address Food Insecurity

Ayala-led Globe Telecom Inc. has joined a global call for action to address food insecurity as hunger rates continue to rise across the country.

1 min

Budget for free internet program tripled to P7.5 B

The government's flagship program on free internet has gained a major boost, as its funding was tripled to a record budget this year to cover more Filipinos in far-flung towns.

1 min

A Collector's Christmas

My wife Beng and I are in San Diego, California for our first Christmas in the US in 10 years, visiting our daughter Demi and her husband Jerry.

4 mins

SO LONG, 2024, AND NO THANKS FOR ALL THE PHISH

The past changes so quickly you have no idea what will happen yesterday.

4 mins

A CELEBRATION OF CREATIVITY WITHOUT BORDERS

The Kate Contemporary Gallery in Madrid, Spain unveiled \"Endlessness,\" a captivating group exhibit celebrating global artistry.

1 min

A Night Of Sparkle And Purpose

The Zonta Club of Makati Ayala, under the able leadership of president Rosemarie Basa, vice presidents Carmen Afzelius and Roselle Rebano, and Christmas Party chair Marissa Fenton, celebrated the holiday season with a festive gathering at Pardon My French restaurant in Makati City.

1 min

So Long, 2024, and No Thanks for All the Phish

three-fourths sleeve Star Wars shirts. We were present during the glory years, says we old men yelling at a cloud.

1 min

RecreatiNG THE SPIRIT OF BETHLEHEM IN OVER 800 SCENES

One who has gazed upon a creche, belen or nativity scene, and has taken the time to reflect upon it cannot leave without feeling a sense of consolation and joy. This is a story about a special soul who has taken her love for the belen much further.

3 mins

'Sanggre,' 'KMJS Gabi ng Lagim: The Movie,' 'P77' in GMA's 75th anniversary line-up

GMA Network is set to mark its 75th anniversary this 2025 with a diverse line-up of TV shows and movies designed to entertain and inspire audiences.

1 min

What To Expect From Hilda Koronel's Movie Comeback

Hilda Koronel, dubbed as \"Philippine cinema's gold standard,\" admitted that she doesn't like people who are late.

3 mins

Box-office lessons from a turbulent 2024

Movie ticket sales took a bit of a hit in 2024.

5 mins

Leer todas las historias de The Philippine Star

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.