The Philippine Star - January 15, 2025
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In this issue
January 15, 2025
Palace: BBM Still Against VP Impeachment
Malacañang yesterday reiterated President Marcos' opposition to moves to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte.
4 mins
BBM to DOH: Ensure continuous PhilHealth service
President Marcos yesterday directed the Department of Health (DOH) to ensure the continuous delivery of services by the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) even if the state-run insurer did not receive a subsidy in this year's national budget.
2 mins
NGCP Maintains Compliance With Existing Regulations
Without an approved regulatory reset process, the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) maintained that it adhered to the regulations in place at the time by requesting an interim revenue scheme from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to ensure the continuity of its operations.
6 mins
Quimbo Named Acting Appropriations Panel Chair
Marikina City 2nd District Rep. Stella Luz Quimbo will be taking over the post of Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co as chairman of the House of Representatives' appropriations committee, but only in an acting capacity, House secretary general Reginald Velasco said yesterday.
2 mins
BIR surpasses collection target, 1st time in 20 years
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has achieved a landmark success by surpassing its P2.85-trillion collection target for 2024, a goal set by the Development Budget Coordination Committee in March last year.
1 min
Comelec defers printing of ballots after SC TRO
SC reverses Comelec DQ of 5 local bets
3 mins
OCTA: VP trust rating suffers 10-point drop
Public satisfaction and trust in most of the country’s highest government officials dropped in the fourth quarter of last year, with Vice President Sara Duterte suffering significant declines in her ratings, a survey conducted by the OCTA Research showed.
2 mins
Fast-track rice programs, DA told
Programs aimed at boosting rice farmers' productivity should be accelerated by government agencies, President Marcos said, as cited by the Department of Agriculture (DA).
1 min
PNP 'grand conspiracy' probe underway
A \"grand conspiracy\" of police officers mishandling drug operations during the previous Duterte administration will be probed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
2 mins
Phl Plans More Joint Naval Patrols With Other Countries
More – and bigger – joint naval patrols with allied nations are being readied for this year, the Philippine Navy announced yesterday.
2 mins
Toy guns covered by gun ban - Comelec
Even realistic toy guns or replicas are covered by the gun ban imposed in connection with the May 2025 midterm polls, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
3 mins
Northeast monsoon, shear line to bring rainfall in Luzon
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued a warning of significant rainfall and its potential impact over several regions in the country due to the northeast monsoon and shear line.
1 min
Former PDEA chief Villanueva surrenders to quad comm
Former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) director general Wilkins Villanueva surrendered on Monday to the quad committee of the House of Representatives to serve his detention for contempt, which was issued by the committee last month, quad comm chairman and Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said yesterday.
2 mins
Senate OKs bill setting 4-year term for barangay, SK officials
The Senate approved on third and final reading yesterday a measure setting the term of office for barangay officials and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) members to four years.
1 min
Accountability
Impeachment is a political process, but the legal system cannot be tainted with politics. Members of the House quad committee have said they will continue their probe into the abuses committed in the course of the bloody campaign against illegal drugs launched under the watch of Rodrigo Duterte.
1 min
37+ years in the making
While doing ninong duties at the wedding of close family friends, I made the acquaintance of my new kumpadre or fellow godfather who has a couple of businesses in Coron, Palawan.
3 mins
Deposit insurance, too
The financial predators in government failed to get their claws on our pension funds to finance the Maharlika sovereign wealth fund or whatever creature this non-performing project turns out to be.
4 mins
Overhauling the 2025 GAA
So PBBM reviewed and went over so many times the fine print before and after he signed the 2025 GAA.
4 mins
Beware of rice shortage when gov't sets price cap
Rice control on rice is dangerous. Once the Department of Agriculture sets a maximum suggested retail price starting Monday, Jan. 20, the staple will vanish from market stalls. Retailers will stop selling rather than lose money.
3 mins
Biden Promotes His Foreign Policy During His Final Week in Office
President Joe Biden kicked off his final week in office Monday with a robust defense of his foreign policy, arguing in a speech that America had grown stronger on his watch and had \"the wind at our back.\"
1 min
A budget by dynasties, for dynasties
In my column last week, I stated that our political leaders and the political system they created have failed us.
4 mins
Manila Unveils Rent-to-Own Public Condominiums
Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna inaugurated yesterday the city's first rent-to-own public condominiums.
1 min
Gov't Probes OFW Cadaver Switch in Kuwait
The Philippine government is looking into the alleged switching of the remains of Filipina worker Jenny Alvarado who died in Kuwait on Jan. 2.
1 min
3 PAF Units Get New Commanders
The Philippine Air Force announced yesterday the designation of new commanders for the PAF's strike, supply and operations units.
1 min
QCPD Rounds Up 173 in Anti-Crime Drive
Up to 173 people were apprehended during an intensified campaign against crime in Quezon City in a span of one week.
1 min
UP-PGH Acquires PET-CT Scanner
The Philippine General Hospital (PGH) has acquired the first state-owned positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) scanner, benefitting indigent patients who need access to advanced diagnostic services.
1 min
NBI nabs 12 Chinese in alleged scam hub
The National Bureau of Investigation arrested 12 Chinese allegedly involved in online scams and five Filipinos for reportedly attempting to bribe the NBI agents in Paranaque last week.
1 min
Speed limit at NAIAx, Skyway now 80 kph
Tollway builder San Miguel Corp. (SMC) has increased the speed limit at the NAIA Expressway (NAIAx) and at straight sections of Skyway Stage 3 for faster vehicular movement on both roads.
1 min
Comelec Ensuring Negros Elections Amid Kanlaon Threats
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has ordered officials of provincial joint security coordinating centers in Negros provinces to ensure that the elections will push through in May despite threats posed by Kanlaon Volcano.
1 min
Baguio flagged over P4.43-B savings
The Commission on Audit (COA) has flagged the city government of Baguio for having P4.43 billion in time deposits and several high yield savings accounts (HYSA) amid unpaid obligations and unimplemented priority development projects.
1 min
Central Luzon to Have 3 New Bishops
Three Catholic bishops will be installed in separate dioceses in Central Luzon in the first quarter of the year.
1 min
Mystery balls close 9 Sydney beaches
Australian authorities closed nine Sydney beaches yesterday after mysterious white and gray balls washed up along the coast.
1 min
Small airborne embers play role in spread of wildfires
While authorities still don’t know what sparked the deadly fires in the Los Angeles area, they do know one clear way the flames have spread: embers.
1 min
US TikTok Refugees Flee to Chinese Alternative App
With TikTok facing an imminent shutdown in the United States, American content creators have taken flight — to another Chinese social media app.
1 min
US Prosecutor Jack Smith Defends Criminal Case Against Trump
US Special Counsel Jack Smith concluded that Donald Trump engaged in an \"unprecedented criminal effort\" to hold on to power after losing the 2020 election, but was thwarted in bringing the case to trial by the president-elect's November election victory, according to a report published on Tuesday.
1 min
Winds pick up, threatening fire-ravaged LA anew
Los Angeles firefighters braced for high winds overnight into Tuesday, gusts that could fuel two monstrous wildfires that have already leveled entire neighborhoods, killed at least two dozen people and burned an area the size of Washington.
1 min
Gaza ceasefire deal close in Doha
Negotiators will meet in Doha this week seeking to fi nalize details of a plan to end the war in Gaza after US President Joe Biden said a ceasefi re and hostage release deal he has championed was on “the brink of coming to fruition.”
1 min
NoKor fires ballistic missiles before Trump return
North Korea fired several short-range ballistic missiles into the sea on Tuesday, according to Seoul's military, in what experts said could be a message to US president-elect Donald Trump's incoming administration.
1 min
Underwood, Village People to perform at Trump's inauguration events
Country music star Carrie Underwood will perform \"America the Beautiful\" at Donald Trump's inauguration next week and the 1970s hitmakers Village People will perform at two inaugural events.
1 min
Grammys to Proceed, Will Support LA Fire Relief
The Grammys, slated for Feb. 2, will \"proceed as planned\" despite the devastating fires scorching Los Angeles, the Recording Academy said Monday.
1 min
SoKor's Yoon Snubs His First Impeachment Trial
South Korea's Constitutional Court adjourned the opening session of the impeachment trial of suspended President Yoon Suk-yeol within minutes yesterday, after the embattled leader did not attend court.
1 min
Japanese tourist magnet Kyoto to hike hotel taxes
Kyoto authorities announced yesterday plans to hike lodging taxes, as Japan's ancient capital seeks to assuage grumbles from locals about too many tourists.
1 min
Montag Tops iTunes Chart After Losing House in LA Wildfires
Reality television star Heidi Montag's 2010 album \"Superficial\" has hit No. 1 on iTunes' all-genre songs and albums charts — 15 years after its release and just after Montag and husband Spencer Pratt lost their home in the Palisades fire.
1 min
Pope Francis downplays health issues: 'I am well'
Pope Francis, who turned 88 last month and asked an aide to read a major speech last week due to a cold, says in a new book that he feels healthy and has no plans to resign as leader of the global Catholic Church.
1 min
Borromeo gears up for Winter Games
Filipino figure skater Paolo Borromeo showed his readiness to compete in next month's Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China after he came through with a solid effort in the Sofia Trophy in Bulgaria recently.
1 min
Medvedev destroys racket, survives Thai opponent
Last year's runner-up Daniil Medvedev smashed his racket and avoided a huge shock at the Australian Open on Tuesday before joining a rampant Taylor Fritz and veteran Gael Monfils in the second round.
1 min
PSA Toasts POC Chief on Jan. 27
The man who sparked the renaissance in Philippine sports gets a piece of the spotlight in the San Miguel Corporation-Philippine Sportswriters Association (SMC-PSA) Annual Awards Night on Jan. 27 at the Manila Hotel.
1 min
Barako Cup lures 50 golf teams in Lipa
It's all systems go for the 2nd Barako Cup golf tournament that headlines the Lipa City Fiesta 2025 in two world-class golf courses in Batangas starting today.
1 min
Green Fuels Rockets' Win With 42 Points
Fil-Am Jalen Green matched his career high with 42 points and the Houston Rockets rallied from a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the visiting Memphis Grizzlies 120-118 on Monday.
1 min
MERALCO DISPLAYS FIREPOWER
Meralco zapped top-ranked NorthPort, 111-94, to crowd the upper half of the team standings and stay in the hunt for a quarterfinals bonus in the PBA Commissioner's Cup yesterday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
1 min
Firefighter's tale
With wildfires raging in Southern California, \"Pasko Sa Enero\" first-prize winner and Guimaras deputy provincial fire officer Danilo Animas was asked why he chose his profession during our Christmas Contest awarding program in Molito, Alabang, last Sunday.
2 mins
Car Sales Hit Record High in 2024
The Philippine automotive industry ended 2024 with record-high sales of 467,252 units, driven by strong demand for both passenger cars and commercial vehicles, but the figure fell short of the sales target of 468,300 units.
1 min
'Peso may breach 60:$1 threshold"
If Trump policies surprise markets
2 mins
Share Prices Tumble Anew on Lack of Catalysts
Local stocks dropped for the third straight session as investors maintained their cautious stance amid lack of major catalysts.
1 min
PASEO DE LIPA: REDEFINING SUSTAINABLE LIVING IN THE HEART OF BATANGAS
What does it mean to create a home that nurtures families and the environment?
5 mins
Semirara Hits Record Coal Sales in 2024
Semirara Mining and Power Corp. (SMPC), chaired by tycoon Isidro Consunji, shattered records in coal sales volume last year, fueled by stronger demand from both China and the domestic market.
1 min
Generika enables franchisees to serve more communities
Ayala-led Generika Drugstores continues to attract franchisees to make affordable and quality medicine accessible to Filipinos.
3 mins
Can NGCP Resist Maharlika?
There is no reason for NGCP's equity holders to welcome the interest of Maharlika Fund to buy into the company.
4 mins
Axelum gears up for aggressive growth
Axelum Resources Corp. is gearing up for aggressive growth following a turnaround in 2024 that was driven by expected record-high shipped volumes.
2 mins
Aboitiz unit to build solar facility for Republic Cement
Aboitiz Upgrade Solar Inc. (AUSI) is constructing a solar facility in Bulacan to supply clean power to cement maker Republic Cement & Building Materials Inc. (RCBM).
1 min
UBS shuts down representative office in Phl
Swiss banking giant UBS AG has officially closed its representative office in the Philippines, marking the end of its 28-year presence in the country, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) announced.
1 min
The comet named FLC-43
Meet Engineer Francis Lloyd Chua, chairman and chief executive officer of Premium Megastructures Inc. (PMI), which specializes in land developments, reclamations, construction of roads, ports, airports and bridges all over the Philippines.
4 mins
SBFI makes progress in education advocacy programs
Security Bank Foundation Inc. (SBFI) continues to make progress last year in its programs advocating for education.
2 mins
Trump's return threatens resurgence of trade wars
Donald Trump's second presidential term promises a return to tariffs as he pressures partners and rivals to tackle everything from migration to drug trafficking, while protecting US industries - in moves that could trigger new trade wars.
2 mins
Global electric car sales zoom by 25% in 2024
Electric car sales rose by 25 percent globally last year, surging in China but slowing in Europe, according to figures published by the British consultancy Rho Motion.
1 min
Guiding consumer choices and building brand loyalty
Trust Is New Currency
2 mins
D&L Spearheads Technology to Make Plastics Sustainable
D&L Industries Inc. is spearheading a pioneering technology through its subsidiary D&L Polymer & Colours Inc. (DLPC) that will make plastics sustainable.
1 min
CA upholds SEC stop order against NWorld
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has scored another victory against an erring company after the Court of Appeals (CA) has upheld the cease and desist order issued by the commission against AlphanetWorld Corp.
2 mins
PORSCHE PH AMPS UP ALL-ELECTRIC RANGE WITH NEW TAYCAN MODELS
New Porsche Taycan Turbo S—More powerful with 952 hp, 1,110 Nm
2 mins
THE BIG DEBUTS AT THE 2025 TOKYO AUTO SALON
Every year, the Makuhari Messe Convention Center in Chiba, Japan hosts the Tokyo Auto Salon.
3 mins
Toyota Corolla Cross G - Exceptional for a base model
The Toyota Corolla Cross G HEV stands out as one of the most practical and fuel-efficient hybrid crossovers in its class.
3 mins
Phl slips to 4th biggest banana exporter in 2024
Top three, no more?
2 mins
Mellie Concepcion Hechanova's heavenly birthday
It only took a text invitation to inform us of Mellie Concepcion Hechanova's \"heavenly\" birthday lunch, with 90 amigas excitedly showing up for a celebration given by her loving daughters Renna Angeles, Raissa Posadas and Riana Trajano in their parents' Forbes Park home.
1 min
KENZO SNAKES ITS WAY TO THE LUNAR NEW YEAR
Kenzo celebrates the Lunar New Year with an exclusive collection featuring festive designs inspired by the Year of the Snake and the Golden Boke Flower.
1 min
JODI ON FILM DIRECTING, DOING ACTION, PURSUING MASTER'S DEGREE
Given her achievements as an actress, did it ever occur to Jodi Sta. Maria to consider film directing?
3 mins
How Maharlika Changed Raul Sunico's Life Forever
There is a story that has been going around in local music circles for many years now. It is about the Maharlika Concerto and pianist Raul Sunico.
3 mins
The Philippine Star Newspaper Description:
Publisher: Philstar Daily Inc.
Category: Newspaper
Language: English
Frequency: Daily
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.
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