The Philippine Star - November 22, 2024

In this issue

November 22, 2024

Sara: OVP staff °collateral victims, of persecution

Vice President Sara Duterte said she is taking pity on the officials and personnel of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) as they have become \"collateral victims\" of her critics' efforts to persecute her for political reasons.

4 mins

Re-nationalization of agri services pushed

Senate President Francis Escudero and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. yesterday agreed to work together for the renationalization of the agriculture sector after many of its services were devolved to the local government units (LGUs).

2 mins

Indonesia says clemency for Veloso up to Marcos

Indonesia will fully respect whatever decision President Marcos makes on the grant of clemency to Mary Jane Veloso, the overseas Filipino worker saved from execution on drug trafficking charges.

4 mins

BBM leads groundbreaking of Meralco Terra Solar

President Marcos led the groundbreaking yesterday of what would become the world's largest integrated solar and battery storage facility, a project seen to make the Philippines a leader in renewable energy while contributing to efforts to address climate change and global warming.

2 mins

AFP confirms presence of US Task Force in Palawan

US embassy: Unit enables US forces to support AFP in SCS

3 mins

No word on whether Garma seeking US political asylum

There is no word yet from US authorities if former police colonel Royina Garma is indeed requesting for political asylum, according to Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez.

3 mins

Speaker vows to fight for AKAP funding

Speaker Martin Romualdez vowed yesterday to fight and secure funding for the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)'s Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) in the 2025 budget, high-lighting the program's impact on more than four million \"near poor\" Filipinos nationwide.

2 mins

OCD lauds success of 4th quarter national earthquake drill

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) lauded the execution of the fourth quarter nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill held in Camiguin on Nov. 14.

1 min

Face House, explain intel funds, Sara urged

For the first time since they had a falling out, Speaker Martin Romualdez spoke openly about his estranged ally, Vice President Sara Duterte, advising her to face the congressional probe on her alleged misuse of confidential funds.

4 mins

'Guanzon may still run as party-list nominee'

Former poll commissioner Rowena Guanzon may still run as a party-list nominee in the May 2025 midterm elections despite a Supreme Court (SC) ruling declaring null and void her substitution as the first nominee of the P3PWD party-list, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

1 min

Tulfo brothers still leading in new Senate poll

Two brothers of Sen. Raffy Tulfo are still the most preferred candidates for senator in a voter preference survey con-ducted by polling firm Tangere.

1 min

ICC issues arrest warrants for Netanyaha, Hamas officials

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants yesterday for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister and Hamas officials, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity over the war in Gaza and the October 2023 attacks that triggered Israel's offensive in the Palestinian territory.

1 min

APECis resilience in changing world

In its 35th year of existence. the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum continues to remain relevant despite the emergence of other regional forums and is projected to maintain its growth in the face of global uncertainties and challenges. experts say.

2 mins

Joint effort urged to meet challenges facing Asia-Pacific

Blocks to trade, investment and technology need to be removed, says Xi. Mo Jingxi reports

3 mins

Managing success for road that lies ahead

As the Belt and Road Initiative enters the second decade of implementation, its sphere of global outreach has been growing with gusto.

3 mins

New Great Wall set to generate green benefits

Ordos in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region is advancing an ambitious initiative known as the Solar Great Wall, aiming to combine the development of renewable energy with efforts to combat desertification, local authorities say.

2 mins

Funding's key role in fighting climate change

Support seen as empowering developing countries in South-South cooperation framework. Hou Ligqiang reports

3 mins

For breeders, red plumes are the crowning glory

When 380 red-crowned cranes were released into the wild recently, it turned a Chinese nature park into the world's largest breeding site and habitat for the bird.

2 mins

JICA expanding collaboration with Phl on disaster risk reduction

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is eyeing to expand collaboration with the Philippines in the area of disaster risk reduction, citing the two countries' susceptibility to severe disasters.

2 mins

Senate to hold last POGO hearing next week

The Senate will hold its final hearing on illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) and unravel China's espionage activities and the role of dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo, according to Sen. Risa Hontiveros.

2 mins

China's fake fishing boats swarm WPS - lawmaker

Aside from flooding the markets with fake products, the Chinese are now swarming Philippine waters on \"fake\" fishing boats manned by coast guard and naval personnel, Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said yesterday.

1 min

'No price cup on Iechon despite increase in demund'

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. yesterday said that the Department of Agriculture (DA) has no plan to implement a price cap on lechon or roasted pig amid the expected increase in demand during the holidays.

1 min

Time better spent

I was recently invited to be a guest on a news and current affairs program to talk about the ongoing investigations of the quad comm. It shocked the guest coordinator when I replied that I have not watched a single episode and therefore, I would not be qualified to comment or analyze any of it.

4 mins

Secret bank deposits

Congressmen stress that the ongoing inquiry being con-ducted by four committees of the House of Representatives is in aid of legislation.

2 mins

Continuing scams

By mid-December, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas expects to wrap up its probe into a recent spate of unauthorized deductions from GCash accounts.

4 mins

Not so confidential funds

Properly defined, confidential and intelligence funds are the total amount of allocations set aside in the national budget for expenses that involve surveillance and intelligence information gathering activities while intelligence funds are for intelligence expenses related to information gathering activities of uniformed and military personnel and intelligence practitioners that have a direct impact on national security.

2 mins

Wacky spending by OVP, DepEd

Remember Janet Lim Napoles' P10-billion pork barrel scam? Resourcefulness enabled her to plunder for 20 senators and 100 congressmen in 2000-2013.

4 mins

Tatak Pinoy protection

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is the chief implementing agency of the Tatak Pinoy Act, or the Proudly Filipino strategy in achieving the Vision to join the ranks of newly industrialized countries (NIC).

4 mins

2 Filipino siblings among 4 shot dead in California

Four people, including two Filipino siblings, were shot dead on Saturday at a home that was also set on fire in Lancaster, California.

1 min

PhilHealth mulls higher benefit package for kidney transplant

A higher Philippine Health Insurance benefit package may soon be provided to kidney transplant patients as the PhilHealth benefits committee, led by Health Secretary Ted Herbosa, met Wednesday to discuss ways of improving this service.

1 min

PNR eyes cal-go trains in No!-th, south commuter railway

The Philippine National Railways (PNR) is lobbying for a cargo train system to be integrated into the North-South commuter railway (NSCR) to help boost the economy.

1 min

Manila roads closed for weekend run

Some roads in Manila will be closed this weekend to give way for a fun run, the city government announced.

1 min

P112.57-M cash seized from suspected POGO

Up to P112.57 million in cash and several foreign passports have been seized during a follow-up operation at a raided business process outsourcing (BPO) firm in Bagac, Bataan on Wednesday.

1 min

Marcos condones P206-M debt of farmers

More than P200 million worth of debts incurred by over 2,000 agrarian reform beneficiaries in Pampanga were condoned by the government yesterday.

1 min

6 NPA rebels killed in Negros encounter

Six suspected New People's Army (NPA) guerrillas were killed in an encounter in Candoni, Negros Occidental yesterday.

1 min

Rain, snow pummel Northern California

A major storm pummeled Northern California with rain and snow on Wednesday night and threatened to cause flash flooding and rockslides in the latest wave of damaging weather to wash over the West Coast.

1 min

‘Russia fires ICBM missile at Ukraine'

Ukraine says Russia launched an intercontinental ballistic missile overnight targeting Dnipro city in the central-east of the country, which, if confirmed, would be the first time Moscow has used such a missile in the war.

1 min

4 tourists die utter suspected Loos methanol poisoning

Four foreign tourists have died after a suspected mass methanol poisoning from drinking tainted alcohol at a backpacker hotspot in Laos, Western government officials and media said yesterday.

1 min

Banana taped to wall sells for $6.2 M

A fresh banana taped to a wall - a provocative work of conceptual art by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan - was bought for $6.2 million on Wednesday by a cryptocurrency entrepreneur at a New York auction, Sotheby's announced in a statement.

1 min

K-drama for mental health? Binge on, expert says

If you've ever binge-watched an entire season of a K-drama like \"Squid Game\" or \"Crash Landing On You,\" one Korean-American expert has good news: it's likely improved your mental health.

1 min

One Direction stars join mourners at Liam Payne's funeral

The former members of boy band One Direction were among the mourners at the funeral of their band mate Liam Payne on Wednesday, just over a month after the singer died aged 31.

1 min

Assault allegations vs Hegseth bared by police

A woman told police that she was sexually assaulted in 2017 by Pete Hegseth after he took her phone, blocked the door to a California hotel room and refused to let her leave, according to a detailed investigative report made public late on Wednesday.

1 min

Suzuki, Lee top Southwoods tilt

The Southwoods Chairman's Charity Cup concluded on a high note, cementing its reputation as one of Manila Southwoods' most prestigious events.

1 min

Volley Angels make MPVA finals

Games on Monday (Alonte Sports Arena) 4 p.m. – Rizal vs Bacoor (bronze medal match) / 6 p.m. – Quezon vs Biñan (Game 1 of finals)

1 min

GILAS NAILS HISTORIC FIRST WIN VS KIWIS

Pitted against an opponent that had manhandled previous batches since 2016, the Nationals spared no effort in taking down New Zealand this time, 93-89, in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers last night at a packed MOA Arena.

1 min

HD Spikers hold off Crossovers

Cignal overhauled a six-point deficit in the fourth set and hammered out a 25-19, 20-25, 25-18, 25-21 victory over Chery Tiggo yesterday to snare a piece of the lead in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

1 min

NU, La Salle renew volley rivalry

Back-to-back titlist National U and La Salle bring their UAAP rivalry to the Shakey's Super League Collegiate Pre-Season Championship, clashing in the much-awaited Game 1 of the finale today at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

1 min

Clamping down on floppers

Floppers, beware.

2 mins

Cavs bounce back, Warriors roll on

Ty Jerome scored 29 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers bounced back from their first defeat of the season with a 128-100 rout of the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday.

1 min

Nats to erase HKG nightmare

Gilas will take on Hong Kong in the second game of the second FIBA Asia Cup qualifying window at the MOA Arena on Sunday with the goal of duplicating its rout during the first window last February.

1 min

Canadian businessmen to visit Phl for trade prospects

A delegation of 300 business leaders from Canada is set to visit the country next month to check out opportunities, in line with the Canadian government's thrust to diversify trade.

2 mins

Players jostling for new digital bank slots

Foreign and local financial institutions have expressed growing interest in securing a digital banking license as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) prepares to reopen applications next year.

1 min

PBA BARS OFFERS ULTRA-LUXURY MODELS IN 'Hl GH-END WEEKEND'

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has dismissed four \"absentee\" employees in the offices of two former Monetary Board members, citing serious dishonesty, grave misconduct and habitual absenteeism as the grounds for their removal.

1 min

46% of Pinoys use AI at work, study shows

The country's adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) is on the rise, with over 40 percent of Filipinos saying they use the technology for work, according to online employment platform Jobstreet by SEEK.

2 mins

Peso plunges to 59:$1, weakest in over 2 years

The peso depreciated for the third straight trading day to close at 59 to $1 yesterday, matching the all-time low last seen in more than two years, amid uncertainty over US economic policies and Philippine monetary policy.

2 mins

Profit-faking snaps market's 4-day climb

The stock market snapped its winning streak as investors pocketed gains from a four-dav rally.

1 min

DigiPlus places bet on Brazil market

Digital entertainment company DigiPlus Interactive Corp. has inched closer to scoring a win on its bet in Brazil's gaming market.

2 mins

DTI releasing list of products for preferential procurement

The Department of Trade and Indus-try (DTI) is set to release on Dec. 4 the list of Philippine products and services to be given preference in government procurement as part of the Tatak Pinoy Act.

1 min

Shortchanging our children

The State, according to our Constitution, shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels, and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all. Article XIV mandates that the State assign the highest budgetary priority to education.

4 mins

Phl SEC named among world's best employers

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has been named one of the world's best employers by international standard-setting organization Investors in People (Ii P).

2 mins

PGA CARS OFFERS ULTRA-LUXURY MODELS IN 'HIGH-END WEEKEND'

Ultra-luxury and high-performance models from Porsche, Audi, Lamborghini, and Bentley are offered through exclusive ownership packages at the PGA Cars High-End Weekend.

1 min

Mini Cooper SE - Go kart, electrified

When you hear \"Mini Cooper,\" you might think of zippy, stylish cars darting through city streets, and that hasn't changed. But this time, the brand has gone all-electric.

5 mins

Toyota. Carlos Yulo hold °Start Your Impossible, gymnastics !

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP), in collaboration with world-renowned Filipino gymnast Carlos Yulo successfully concluded the \"Start Your Impossible\" two-day gymnastics camp, held on November 15-16, at the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) MVPSF Gym.

1 min

Converge boosting connectivity at Davao Int'l Airport

Fiber broadband and technology solutions provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. is boosting connectivity at the country's third busiest airport.

1 min

Expensive food

According to the World Bank, domestic food price inflation remains high in many low- and middle-income countries.

4 mins

Safeguard measures on cement pushed amid rise in imports

Cement makers are pushing for the imposition of safeguard measures on cement as imports of the construction product continued to increase.

1 min

NGCP's P2.3-B Laguindingan substation project gets ERC OK

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), the power regulator, has iven the National Grid Corp. of the P ilippines (NGCP) the green light to officially proceed with the construction of a P2.34billion transmission project.

1 min

Bonoan named new MAP president

Former finance undersecretary Emmanuel \"Noel\" Bonoan has been elected as president of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) for 2025.

1 min

Globe seeks uniform LGU permit process

Telco giant Globe Telecom Inc. is seeking uniform local government unit (LGU) standards to maximize the potential of Executive Order 32, which simplifies the process for telco permitting.

1 min

SHARE THE HOLIDAY MABIB:

The selection-which involves apparel, bags, footwear, accessories and fra grances-was thoughtfully designed to showcase the brand's timeless and iconic offerings, but this time With a Whimsical twist. With the reimagining of its iconic codes, the brand celebrates its unique creativity by infusing a twist of French heritage and and irreverence into its bestsellers: At the same time, with show-stopping embroideries, iconic fabrics, and captivating designs, expect exquisite craftsmanship that stays true to its French roots. Let friends and family unwrap the joy Y and surprises with top picks from Lacoste's Iloliday 2024 collection: I acoste sets the tone for the most magical season with a curated gift guide featuring pieces from its Fall J Winter 2024 collection.

2 mins

CAST PH'S 'GRUESOME PLAYGROUND INJURIES' WANTS YOU AT YOUR VERY WORST

'Gruesome Playground Injuries,' starring Missy Maramara and Topper Fabregas, runs from Nov. 22 to Dec. 1 at the Mirror Studios, Makati.

4 mins

The 'Gracious Lady' trunk show: Treasures with a pnceless cause

Tonette Martel, who has written articles on the arts, travel and social issues in The STAR for over two decades, and was a speechwriter during the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, is a \"treasure hunter.\" And her \"treasures\" are wearable.

3 mins

CHITO ROÑO HELMS QUANTUM FILMS' 20TH-YEAR OFFERING 'ESPANTAHO'

MASTER HORROR STORYTELLER CHITO RONO initially didn't want to Venture into horror again, but there's a compelling reason why he's returning to the genre with the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2024 entry \"Espantaho,\" produced by Quantum Films.

3 mins

A double surprise from Bruno Mars

Doesn't Bruno Mars make all Pinoys feel proud? As everybody surely knows Bruno is half-Filipino. He was born to a Pinoy mother and Hawaiian father in Hawaii.

2 mins

ACCESS THAT TRULY MATTERS

Nestled at the boundary of Las Piñas and Alabang, Muntinlupa, Southlinks Estate sits in an area that offers a rare blend of suburban tranquility and urban energy.

1 min

INVEST IN THE FUTURE, INVEST IN SOUTHLINKS ESTATE

Just as birds instinctively journey south for warmth and comfort, families in Metro Manila are finding their future in the flourishing southern cities of Paranaque, Las Pinas, and Muntinlupa. These vibrant locales are emerging as prime destinations for those who value true modern life - the harmonized convenience of urban living while connecting to the tranouilitv of nature- -

2 mins

Calamba: Where history, culture, and nature come alive

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to step into a place that's both a gateway to the past and a vibrant reflection of the present?

2 mins

The Rockwell Signature Comes to Life in Bacolod with the Unveiling of the Clubhouse at Nara Residences

Nara Residences by Rockwell opens its newly-built Clubhouse, providing its community with dynamic space for leisure and wellness within Bacolod City 's premier Rockwell enclave.

2 mins

A NEW STANDARD OF QUALITY LIVING: ROCKWELL SOUTH AT CARMELRAY

For years, Rockwell Land has elevated metropolitan living with pioneering developments that enhance refined lifestyles exclusively catered to a discerning clientele.

3 mins

IT STARTS AT HOME: PHILIPPINES CHAMPIONS LOCAL SOLUTIONS AT WORLD URBAN FORUM

Representatives from the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), along with project advisors and local government unit planning officials, proudly presented the Philippines' initiatives and best practices and shared valuable insights and experiences at the 12th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF12) convened by the United Nations Human Settlements Progamme (UNHabitat) in cooperation with the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt, last November 4 to 8, 2024 in Cairo.

3 mins

Ortigos: Eleyoltin the new generation Ii estyle

For many of today's professionals and families, finding a place that offers both convenience and a sense of community can be challenging.

2 mins

THE RICHNESS OF ILOCOS: AN EMERGING OPPORTUNITY FOR EVERYONE

Ilocos is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural wonders.

2 mins

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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.