The Philippine Star - January 25, 2025

In this issue

January 25, 2025

Self-rated poverty, hunger rise in Q4

Self-rated poverty and hunger spiked in the last quarter of 2024, according to a survey conducted by the OCTA Research group.

1 min

Pinoy power at Southeast Asia's biggest art fair

Filipino artists flexed their star-power in Singapore over the weekend at Art SG 2025, the biggest art fair in Southeast Asia.

3 mins

NEDA: Economy in good shape despite missing targets

Even if the Philippines is likely to miss its growth targets for 2024, it still remains on track in reducing poverty and taming inflation while its economy continues to fare better than its neighbors in Asia, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said yesterday.

2 mins

Finger-pointing over blank budget items continues

The executive branch cannot be held liable for the supposed blank items in the bicameral conference committee report of Congress on the then proposed 2025 national budget that critics want to question before the Supreme Court, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said yesterday.

4 mins

Bersamin: BBM not blocking impeach move vs Sara

President Marcos is not interfering with the constitutional mandate of Congress, but was simply expressing his personal stance in discouraging lawmakers from impeaching his ally-turned-arch foe Vice President Sara Duterte, according to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.

2 mins

Phl will respond 'favorably' to Interpol arrest request

ICC PROBE ON DUTERTE DRUG WAR

4 mins

Ang-See calls for fair probe on ‘Chinese spy’

Teresita Ang See, a prominent figure in Filipino-Chinese community relations, has issued a statement addressing the arrest of Deng Yuanqing, a Chinese national accused of espionage.

2 mins

17 Pinoy seafarers reunite with families after Houthi ordeal

The 17 Filipino seafarers who were held hostage by Houthi rebels for more than a year were finally reunited with their families upon their arrival in the country on Thursday.

1 min

Give Marcos benefit of doubt on sex ed bill'

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on yesterday defended President Marcos’ opposition to “ridiculous” and “abhorrent” provisions in the proposed Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Act, particularly about masturbation.

1 min

Comelec may compel bets to attend debates

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is eyeing a resolution that will require candidates to attend debates in order to help voters make informed choices in the May 12 polls.

2 mins

No country can dictate on Phl defense decisions – AFP

No country or entity can dictate on the Philippines, especially on defense and security matters, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said yesterday as it assailed China for raising a howl over the deployment of Philippine vessels in the country’s own warships and missile launchers, while deploying its vessels in the West Philippine Sea.

1 min

Monsoon, easterlies continue to bring rain across country

The Philippines continues to experience the effects of the northeast monsoon or amihan in Northern and Central Luzon, while the easterlies bring warm winds and scattered rains to Southern Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao.

1 min

US embassy warns vs fake messages on visas

The United States embassy is warning against fraudulent emails and messages being sent to US visa applicants to trick them into sending money.

1 min

Fuel price rollback seen next week

After three consecutive rounds of hikes, prices of petroleum products are poised to go down by as much as P1 per liter next week.

1 min

P49 maximum SRP on imported rice in March - DA

Filipinos can expect the maximum suggested retail price (SRP) of imported rice to go down in the coming weeks, with the target of P49 per kilo eyed by March, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said yesterday, citing the continued drop in world prices of imported grains.

3 mins

Dialogue eyed with Boracay LGUs on ‘excessive fees, delays’

The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) plan to meet with local government officials of Aklan province and the municipality of Malay, home to the famous Boracay island, to address complaints from tourism businesses regarding alleged “excessive fees” and delays experienced by some tourists.

1 min

Senate bill on govt ‘rightsizing’ changed to ‘optimization’

The term “rightsizing” in a Senate bill advocating a more strategic approach to improving government operations will now be referred to as “optimization,” Senate President Francis Escudero announced.

1 min

Pasig court extends Quiboloy's hospital stay

A Regional Trial Court in Pasig City has allowed detained religious leader Apollo Quiboloy to remain in hospital while he is being treated for pneumonia.

1 min

Students vie to represent Phl in global math olympics

About 3,000 Filipino students are slated to compete for a chance to represent the country in global mathematics competitions this year, the Mathematics Trainers Guild of the Philippines (MTG) announced Thursday.

1 min

MMDA: Expect heavier traffic along EDSA

Motorists can expect heavier traffic along EDSA with the construction of a footbridge that connects a shopping mall in Mandaluyong City to an EDSA Bus Carousel station starting this weekend.

1 min

Court convicts 3 for 2013 kidnap of Chinoy trader

The Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) yesterday sentenced three members of a kidnap-for-ransom group to life imprisonment without eligibility for parole for the kidnapping of a Filipino-Chinese trader in 2013.

2 mins

Bureaucratese

When accurate communication could prove ruinous, bureaucrats often resort to confusing euphemisms to smooth the harshness of truth. They call it “bureaucratic subliminal.”

3 mins

Women in coffee

I may have just arrived from Guatemala by the time you read this. The International Women's Coffee Alliance (www.womenincoffee.org) or IWCA recently held its board meeting in Antigua, Guatemala and I am honored to be the only woman of color or non-American to have been appointed to this esteemed group of coffee ladies.

4 mins

The right information

In the Information Age, children can access a mountain of materials about sex online.

2 mins

The plot thickens: Fill-in-the-blanks budget

We Tagalogs have an old saying, Kung sino ang unang pumutak, siyang nangitlog, which fully sums up the latest budget controversy, a free-for-all budget, enraging the Filipino people.

4 mins

Phil now open to ICC probe on ‘war on drugs’

More than a whiff of fresh air: The Marcos administration now says it's willing to sit down with the [International Criminal Court (ICC) to discuss its criminal investigation on the latter’s areas of cooperation on the former president Duterte’s ‘war on drugs.’ The time goes back soon after he was sworn in last June 30.

4 mins

Judge temporarily blocks Trump’s plan to end birthright citizenship

A federal judge Thursday temporarily blocked President Donald Trump's executive order to end automatic citizenship for babies born on US soil, dealing the president his first setback as he attempts to upend the nation's immigration laws and reverse decades of precedent.

1 min

You asked for this ceasefire, Mr. President; make sure it holds

Before examining the pitfalls and weaknesses of the Gaza ceasefire, let us welcome even the least of what it may achieve.

5 mins

Yolanda houses eyed as relocation for Kanlaon evacuees

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is eyeing unoccupied Yolanda housing projects in several local government units in Negros Occidental as relocation sites for people displaced by Kanlaon Volcano.

1 min

Speedy resolution of Cotabato mayor's plunder case sought

Members of the Sangguniang Panglungsod of Cotabato and private citizens have urged the Office of the Ombudsman to speed up the investigation of a plunder case filed against Mayor Mohammad Ali Matabalao and four other officials.

1 min

Comelec holds mock polls in 30 barangays

To better prepare for the May 12 elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will hold mock polls today in 30 barangays across the country.

2 mins

'Invest in US Me S 2025 or face tariffs

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump used an address on Thursday to the World Economic Forum to promise global elites lower taxes if they bring manufacturing to the US and threatened to impose tariffs if they don’t.

1 min

'Emilia Pérez' tops Oscar nominations with 13

In the wake of devastating wildfires in Los Angeles that struck at the heart of the movie industry, an embattled Hollywood lined up behind the Netflix narco-musical about trans identity “Emilia Pérez” in Oscar nominations Thursday.

1 min

SoKor investigators call for indictment of detained President Yoon

South Korean investigators asked prosecutors to indict the country's detained President Yoon Suk-yeol over his short-lived imposition of martial law last month, as it accused him of rebellion, abuse of power and obstruction of parliament on Thursday.

1 min

Reality TV couple sues LA after losing home in wildfires

Reality TV couple Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt are suing the city of Los Angeles after losing their Pacific Palisades home in the wildfires that have torn through Southern California in recent weeks.

1 min

Judge issues TRO on Trump's birthright citizenship order

A federal judge on Thursday temporarily blocked President Donald Trump's executive order denying US citizenship to the children of parents living in the country illegally, calling it \"blatantly unconstitutional.\"

1 min

Bangkok air pollution forces 352 schools to close

Air pollution in the Thai capital forced the closure of more than 350 schools on Friday, city authorities said, the highest number in five years.

1 min

Trump orders release of last JFK, RFK, King assassination files

US President Donald Trump ordered the declassification on Thursday of the last secret files on the assassination of president John F. Kennedy, a case that still fuels conspiracy theories more than 60 years after his death.

1 min

A new epidemic

There is a new epidemic permeating the local basketball community.

2 mins

PBA stars, Olympian rally behind 1Pacman

PBA superstars Scottie Thompson and Jayson Castro, and Paris Olympics veteran Maxine Esteban of fencing, know what's needed to keep Philippine sports on high ground.

1 min

PSA offers toast to MVP Group

One of the fervent supporters of Philippine sports won't be missed out in the San Miguel Corp.-Philippine Sportswriters Association (SMC-PSA) Awards Night at the Centennial Hall of the Manila Hotel on Monday.

1 min

LeBron leads All-Star cast

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and LeBron James were named among the starters for next month's NBA All-Star Game on Thursday.

1 min

Quiban catches up with 64; Thai keeps lead

The leadership remained in the hands of Thai ace Sadom Kaewkanjana but the day belonged to Filipino Justin Quiban.

1 min

Perpetual spikers favored in NCAA

The University of Perpetual Help System Dalta Altas men’s sand spikers and their female counterparts from Letran gun for grand slam championships in the NCAA Season 100 beach volleyball that unwraps on Tuesday at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone’s sand courts.

1 min

TNT books q'finals ticket

TNT vented its wrath on Phoenix, 106-70, to clinch a quarterfinal slot and rejoin the mad scramble for a twice-to-beat incentive in the PBA Commissioner's Cup yesterday at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.

1 min

Phl crypto market seen growing further

The Philippines has become a hotspot for cryptocurrency investments as Filipinos have so far invested an estimated P6 trillion in the crypto market, according to Finance Secretary Ralph Recto.

1 min

Phl raises $3.3 B via global bond issue

The Philippines raised $3.3 billion from the issuance of dollar and euro-denominated sustainability bonds, according to the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr).

1 min

Trade gap widens to $54.2 B in 2024

As imports pick up while exports continue to drop

1 min

Market falls as investors wary of Trump policies

The local stock market fell yesterday as investors become cautious about the impact of a Trump redux in the White House, driving investors to sell shares and drag the local stock exchange in the red to end the week.

1 min

Globe's G-Gantic Goals project raises donations for schools

Telecommunications company Globe, in partnership with Khan Academy Philippines and Ayala Foundation, donated learning equipment to Pasong Kawayan II West Elementary School on January 22, 2025.

1 min

AboitizPower's Therma Mobile recognized as Navotas City's top taxpayer anew

Therma Mobile, Inc. (TMO), a subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower), was once again honored as the #1 Top Taxpayer of Real Property Tax in Navotas City for the eighth consecutive year, while also being #5 Top Taxpayer of Local Business Tax.

1 min

First Gen builds solar facility for Delimondo

Delimondo Food Specialties Inc., led by the family of chief presidential legal counsel Juan Ponce Enrile, has partnered with the Lopez Group's First Gen Corp. to power its operations with solar energy.

1 min

IMI streamlines operations, closes China facility

Ayala-led Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc. (IMI) is closing down its China facility as part of efforts to reduce business costs by focusing on strategic factories.

1 min

The leadership superpowers

A man rode his motorcycle across the border between Germany and Austria every week, carrying two sand-filled bags.

3 mins

NAIA turboprop ban to affect over 900K Cebu Pacific guests

More than 925,000 passengers of low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific will soon have to travel to Clark just to take their flights to smaller towns that are reachable only by turboprops.

1 min

Filling the gap

Just recently, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairman Teofilo Guadiz III called on Congress to pass a law that would regulate the motorcycle (MC) ride-hailing sector to fill the gaps in the imperfect transportation system.

3 mins

DA forms TWG for food security emergency

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has formed a technical working group (TWG) to formulate the implementing rules for the release of National Food Authority (NFA) rice stocks once the government officially declares a food security emergency on the staple.

2 mins

Group calls for swift approval of site blocking bills

Senate should act with urgency on site blocking bills that seek to clamp down on online piracy and cybercrime, according to a local consumer advocacy group.

1 min

BOI eyes release of new SIPP within H1

The Board of Investments (BOI) expects to release the Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP) for 2025 to 2028, which will identify activities eligible for incentives, within the first half of the year.

1 min

'Condo prices in NCR need correction'

Real estate developers may have to bring down condo-minium prices to address the oversupply in residential units in Metro Manila, as buyers are opting to invest in cheaper houses in surrounding prov-inces.

1 min

DOTr takes first steps in building Cebu subway

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has committed to construct a 67.75-kilometer subway in Cebu, and will proceed with the development of a demand study to kick off the project.

1 min

PEZA, TESDA partner to strengthen workforce

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) has teamed up with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to strengthen the Philippine workforce and prepare them for the evolving demands of the labor market.

1 min

DigiPlus doubles users in 2024

Digital entertainment company DigiPlus Interactive Corp. continues to attract more players in the country, doubling its registered users last year.

1 min

Fashion giant Shein urged to expand in Phl

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is encouraging online fashion retailer Shein to consider expanding its operations in the Philippines by looking at manufacturing opportunities.

1 min

RUSSIAN TREATS WITH A DASH OF CULTURE AT THE MUSEO PAMBATA

During a recent gathering of food-ies and friends, we were treated to a vast array of Russian de-lectables by US-based Reggie Aguinaldo and her husband Stephen Young at the bustling Ralph's on Arnaiz Avenue, Makati.

1 min

ALL THE LOVE FOR VIRGINIA

The vibrant Virginia Lane marked another fabulous year with an intimate and elegant soiree hosted by the ever-gracious Imelda Menguito, owner of Corso Como 88 at One Ayala Mall in Makati City.

1 min

A MILESTONE IN BEAUTY

St. Luke's Medical Center-Quezon City (SLMC-QC) unveiled The Skin Center by St. Luke's, setting new benchmarks in dermatological care and aesthetics.

1 min

TEE TIME WITH JEWELMER

International luxury brand Jewelmer tees off the year with Olympian and Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour golfer Bianca Pagdanganan. A rising star in golf, the talented athlete twice represented the Philippines in world-renowned sporting events, most recently at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her inspiring journey of grit and resilience mirrors the artistry behind the South Sea pearl, a testament to hard work and dedication.

1 min

TOKYO ON WHEELS

With three broken bones in my ankle, I managed to see magical, poignant and humorous sights on a wheelchair, realizing how fleeting life is and that family is love.

4 mins

'CCP Pasinaya' returns with more venues and performances

The “CCP Pasinaya Open House Festival” is back with an expanded reach across Metro Manila on Feb. 1 to 2. With the theme “Para sa Lahat!”, this year’s edition becomes even more inclusive and accessible, making it the country’s largest multi-arts festival.

1 min

IFPI launches official Phl chart; Dionela's Marilag claims top spot

IFPI, which represents the recording industry worldwide, has recently announced the launch of The Official Philippines Chart, bringing official, industry-backed weekly music charts to the country for the first time.

2 mins

ENZO PINEDA PROUD OF BEST ACTOR WIN AT 2025 EMIRATES FILMFEST

Kapamilya actor Enzo Pineda bagged the Best Actor award at the 11th edition of the Emirates Film Festival, held at the Emirates Training Academy in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, last Jan. 18.

3 mins

Kitchie Nadal parts ways with 'music companion' after 20 Years

OPM hitmaker Kitchie Nadal is parting ways with her iconic Parker Fly Deluxe guitar, which has been her companion in her musical journey for over two decades.

2 mins

'SQUID GAME' STAR PARK SUNG-HOON TALKS ABOUT TRANSGENDER ROLE, FAN THEORIES AND SEASON 3 TEASER

\"HELLO, NICE TO MEET you,\" greeted Park Sung-hoon, the South Korean actor who recently gained international fame for his role in the hit series \"Squid Game\" Season 2. What a sweetheart! He is not only a talented actor but also known for his warmth, kindness, and approach-ability off-screen.

3 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.