The Philippine Star - October 31, 2024

In this issue

October 31, 2024

Leon becomes super typhoon

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration PAGASA) warned of a high risk of storm surge in Northern Luzon as Super Typhoon Leon passes over the Philippine Sea.

3 mins

DILG: Over 27,000 cops to secure Undas

Over 27,000 police officers will be deployed to secure the observance of Undas, or All Saints' and All Souls' Days this weekend, according to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla.

5 mins

Stanford lists 26 Pinoys in world's Top 2% scientists

Twenty-six Filipino scientists made it to the 2024 \"World's Top 2 Percent Scientists\" list by Stanford University and released through the prestigious Elsevier Data Repository.

1 min

Over half of Phl kids suffer violent discipline - Unicef

Over 23 million Filipino children under the age of 14—roughly more than half of the age group nationwide—are violently disciplined at home, according to a study by the United Nations Children's Fund.

2 mins

CSC: Report fixers, lazy gov't workers

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has urged the public to report fixers and indolent government workers who refuse to act on valid requests for documents or services without justifiable cause.

1 min

CIDG files illegal detention raps vs 8 POGO workers

The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) filed a complaint for serious illegal detention against eight Chinese nationals allegedly involved in the illegal operations of a raided Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub in Bamban, Tarlac.

2 mins

House invites Duterte to drug war probe anew

The House of Representatives' quad committee will be again inviting former president Rodrigo Duterte to attend its next scheduled hearing on Nov. 7, when it continues its probe on alleged extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during his term.

6 mins

Marcos to PCSO: Continue serving with courage, compassion

President Marcos yesterday called on officials and employees of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to continue serving with courage and compassion, reminding them that they perform a quiet but essential role.

1 min

Find out why PhilHealth has P89-B savings, SC urged

Following the issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO) by the Supreme Court on the transfer of Philippine Health Insurance Corp.'s excess funds to the national treasury, the chairman of the committee on senior citizens at the House of Representatives expressed hope that the SC will eventually find out why PhilHealth had billions in unused funds.

1 min

Misappropriated

In a calamity, the local government has first responsibility for mobilizing an adequate response.

3 mins

Where do our billions go?

It's been days since the country felt the full wrath of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, and now another tropical cyclone has entered the Philippine area of responsibility, threatening to intensify into a super typhoon with the strength of Yolanda.

2 mins

Tragedy

A Shakespearean tragedy pales in comparison to Philippine society's real-life drama unfolding right before our eyes.

3 mins

Essays by F. Sionil Jose

At the outset of writing this column, I would like to make a public confession – that F. Sionil Jose has always been my favorite fiction writer.

4 mins

Duterte 2.0

Former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte spent almost 10 hours seated before the Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee hearing on the \"Philippine war\" on illegal drugs, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024.

4 mins

Plain words in a plain suit

There were no frills.

2 mins

Australia-Philippines development cooperation - a true partnership

Mabuhay! For over 50 years, the development partnership between Australia and the Philippines has stood the test of time, and it’s now reaching new heights.

4 mins

P178.5-M smuggled mackerel seized at MICP

At least 567 metric tons of smuggled mackerel from China valued at P178.5 million were confiscated by the Department of Agriculture and Bureau of Customs, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel announced yesterday.

1 min

85 nabbed in scam hub raid

Eighty-five people, including 69 foreigners, were rounded up when police raided an alleged online scam hub in Malate, Manila on Tuesday night.

1 min

Roads near Manila cemeteries closed

Some roads near public cemeteries in Manila have been closed as the country observes All Saints' and All Souls' Days.

1 min

OCD: Maximize hazard maps

Local government units should maximize their use of geohazard maps for improved disaster management, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

1 min

2 charged over alleged Sandro Muhlach rape

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has indicted two independent contractors Jojo Nones and Richard Cruz over the alleged rape of actor Sandro Muhlach.

1 min

Marcos, FL visit INC's Manalo on his 69th birthday

President Marcos and First Lady Liza Marcos visited on Tuesday Iglesia ni Cristo executive minister Eduardo Manalo, who is celebrating his 69th birthday today.

1 min

13 Chinese nabbed for illegal mining in E. Samar

Thirteen Chinese nationals allegedly involved in illegal mining activities in Guiuan, Eastern Samar were arrested yesterday morning.

1 min

6 charged for kidnap of American citizen

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Police have filed charges against six suspects tagged in the kidnapping of an American national in Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte.

2 mins

Kristine death toll increases to 145

The number of fatalities from Severe Tropical Storm Kristine has increased to 145, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

2 mins

Putin launches nuke drills simulating retaliatory strikes

MOSCOW (AP) - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday launched a massive exercise of the country's nuclear forces featuring missile launches in a simulation of a retaliatory strike, as he continued to flex the country's nuclear muscle amid spiraling tensions with the West over Ukraine.

1 min

Canada alleges India ordered campaign targeting Sikhs

A Canadian official alleged Tuesday that Indian Home Minister Amit Shah ordered a campaign of violence, intimidation and intelligence-gathering targeting Sikh separatists inside Canada.

1 min

US calls Israeli strike in Gaza 'horrifying'

The United States on Tuesday voiced concern about a \"horrifying\" Israeli strike in Gaza that killed a large number of children and said it was asking its ally for answers.

1 min

Harris: Trump wants unchecked power

Harris survey lead narrows, 44% to Trump's 43%

1 min

Release of new single featuring Liam Payne postponed

LONDON (AFP) - The release of a new single featuring Liam Payne (in photo), the former One Direction singer who died earlier this month after falling from his Buenos Aires hotel room, has been postponed, a collaborator said on Tuesday.

1 min

Asics RNR: Race, fun, party

The ASICS Rock 'n' Roll Series Manila promises more than just a race—it's a celebration of fitness, music and community.

1 min

Seething rivalry

The raging rivalry between TNT's Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Barangay Ginebra's Justin Brownlee is the underlying dramatic story behind the PBA Governors' Cup Finals now moving to Game Three at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tomorrow.

2 mins

Falcons disarm Warriors

Adamson got a shot in the arm with a gutsy 45-37 win over University of the East to stay in the thick of the Final Four race in the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

1 min

Volpe sparks key run as Yankees avoid WS sweep

Fifteen years after little Anthony Volpe watched the Yankees parade with the World Series trophy, he saved their season and kept alive hopes for an improbable title.

1 min

EAC knocking on Final 4 door

Emilio Aguinaldo College stayed on track towards a dream Final Four appearance as it stunned Letran, 68-58, yesterday in NCAA Season 100 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

1 min

RHJ, TROPA ROLL TO TWO-NIL LEAD

As anticipated, Barangay Ginebra let loose a powerful counter-strike. Defending champion TNT was more than ready for it, though.

1 min

Lady Bulldogs gain quarters 'bonus'

Reigning champion National U salvaged the last twice-to-beat quarterfinal incentive with a 25-14, 25-20, 25-17 win over University of the East at the close of the Shakey's Super League Collegiate Pre-Season Championship second round yesterday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

1 min

Loyzaga throws hat in POC elections

It will be cycling's Abraham Tolentino and baseball's Chito Loyzaga for the Philippine Olympic Committee presidency in elections set Nov. 29.

1 min

Constantino claims OOM honors

With four titles and a season earnings of P730,500, Harmie Constantino narrowly beat Sarah Ababa (P695,583) for the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour Order of Merit in 2024.

1 min

Power distributors urged to allow staggered payments

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is urging distribution utilities (DUs) to allow the staggered collection of payments for power bills from October to December to provide temporary relief to typhoon victims.

1 min

SE Asian private fund investing P20 B in Phl

Private equity firm Creador is scouting for fresh investment opportunities in the Philippines as it plans to pour up to P20 billion into the country over the next five years.

1 min

New borrowings push debt to record P15.9 T

The country's outstanding debt hit a fresh high of P15.89 trillion as of end-September following the net availment of new external and domestic obligations, according to the Bureau of the Treasury.

2 mins

Bargain hunting saves market from back-to-back losses

Bargain hunters came to the rescue yesterday, preventing what could have been back-to-back losses for the local stock market.

1 min

Arellano named new CIBI CEO

CIBI Information Inc., the country's pioneering local credit bureau, has announced the appointment of Pia Arellano as its new president and chief executive officer to lead its next phase of growth and innovation.

1 min

Pagcor profit doubles to P10 B

Earnings of state-run Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) almost doubled to P10 billion from January to September, driven by the electronic games sector.

1 min

Triple P Sustainability Awards fetes Metro Pacific

The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines, in partnership with Deloitte and the Makati Business Club, celebrated outstanding internal communication efforts at the inaugural Triple P Sustainability Awards held at the Marriott Hotel, Pasay.

1 min

BIR seizes illicit cigarettes with P637-M tax liabilities

The trade and sale of illicit cigarettes continue to be a government problem with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) confiscating P637 million worth of illegal cigarettes.

1 min

Globe picked as Phl partner for Malaysia-US cable system

Globe Telecom Inc. will serve as the Philippine partner for an undersea cable system that would run for more than 19,000 kilometers from Malaysia to the U.S.

1 min

Metrobank sells stake in First Metro Asset Management

FIRST METRO INVESTMENT CORPORATION Metrobank Group

2 mins

Infra spending hits P845 B

The Marcos administration jacked up its infrastructure spending by 14 percent to P845.3 billion in the eight-month period of the year, primarily to fund road and defense projects.

1 min

Gov't updates infra flagship projects selection process

Recognizing the important role of infrastructure development in driving and sustaining Philippine economic growth, the government continues to monitor and update the list of infrastructure flagship projects (IFPs) or priority infrastructure projects for implementation.

3 mins

Airport PPPs taking off under Marcos

The government, under President Marcos, has made it clear right from the start that it will turn over as many airports as it can to the private sector.

2 mins

PPPs critical for climate-resilient, inclusive growth

As the Philippines faces development challenges like lack of infrastructure and vulnerability to climate change effects, the government is turning to public-private partnerships (PPPs) to achieve inclusive and climate-resilient economic growth.

2 mins

Shell Pilipinas: A sustainable future, built on innovation and action

Stanley Siahetiong, Energy Transition Lead, shares Shell's vision for a responsible and sustainable future

2 mins

Weathering the storm

Latest reports show that Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name Trami) has caused more than a hundred casualties, and as of this writing, Leon has also intensified into a severe tropical storm.

3 mins

Chamber of Mines members assist in Kristine rescue, relief operations

Filipino miners quickly mobilized their emergency response teams (ERT) to assist in rescue and road clearing operations and have committed to donate cash and relief goods to victims of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

1 min

New roadmap for rice completed by yearend

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is set to complete the latest rice industry roadmap by year-end that would outline its current priorities and vision for the sector.

1 min

Landbank offers support for calamity-hit sectors

Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank) has announced the availability of immediate financial assistance to businesses and individuals affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, reinforcing its commitment to helping rebuild communities and restore economic activity in hard-hit areas.

1 min

Ten things about the P90 B PhilHealth excess funds and unprogrammed appropriations

The Supreme Court issued last Tuesday a temporary restraining order (TRO) directing the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PHIC or PhilHealth) not to transfer the remaining P29.9 billion out of P89.9 billion in excess funds for 2024 to the National Treasury.

3 mins

NHMFC implements moratorium for borrowers affected by typhoon

In a bid to provide relief to affected housing loan borrowers, the National Home Mortgage Finance Corp. (NHMFC) has announced the implementation of a one-month moratorium on the monthly amortization payments of borrowers affected by severe typhoon.

1 min

STI earnings soar on higher enrollment, cost management

Earnings of STI Education Systems Holdings Inc. soared by more than half for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, on the back of higher enrollment and efficient cost management across its schools.

1 min

'Disruptive' S'pore home builder enters Phl market

Singapore-based Homeqube is targeting to put up 1,000 houses in its first year of operations to help address the housing problem in the Philippines.

1 min

Benguet Corp to raise P440 M via private placement

Benguet Corp. is raising P440 million through the subscription of new shares by Red Earth Mineral Resources Corp. to bankroll its existing projects that include mining and agriculture.

1 min

SI, SPANISH FOOD SECRETS & MORE!

A slab of anchovy on top of charred mashed eggplant was the perfect introduction to a dinner in Cantabria.

3 mins

HAI! AN ALL-JAPANESE FOOD HALL

Dining in a food hall works best when you are dining with a big group and everyone has different cravings and preferences.

3 mins

UN SOIR À PARIS

On the occasion of the 45th anniversary of The Friends for Cultural Concerns of the Philippines (FCCP), a sumptuous evening of food and music was hosted by the officers and members of FCCP at the grand ballroom of the newly renovated Makati Shangri-La, which used to be my halfway house for at least a couple of decades, since I lived in New Manila and worked out at Makati Shang

1 min

SEATTLE SIGHTSEEING

Seattle in Washington State is known for its coffee culture, the birthplace of Starbucks, the grunge music scene, the headquarters of Amazon and Microsoft, and one of the best food markets in the world - Pike Place Market!

3 mins

ALL THE STARS ALIGN AT NUSTAR

Christmas is the time of year where things go into overdrive. For some hotels, it's the time to spend money on trees and decorations —and yes, to make money.

3 mins

REMEMBERING LIAM PAYNE AND THE DEARLY DEPARTED

As the old joke goes, somebody up there must be forming a band to provide music for some heavenly event. So, some of the best were taken to do that forever gig. This month alone saw the loss of heartthrob balladeer Jack Jones; Mitzi Gaynor, lovely star of movie musicals like South Pacific, Les Girls and Golden Girl; and Liam Payne, pop idol and founding member of one of the greatest boy bands of all time, the One Direction.

2 mins

QCINEMA RETURNS WITH 77 FILMS ACROSS 11 SECTIONS

THEMED \"THE GAZE,\" THE QCINEMA INTERNATIONAL FILM Festival (QCIFF) has returned for its 12th edition with another notable lineup of local and global films to be screened across Gateway Cineplex 18, Ayala Malls Cinema at Trinoma, Red Carpet at Shangri-la Plaza, and Powerplant Mall from Nov. 8 to 17.

6 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.