The Philippine Star - January 29, 2025

In this issue

January 29, 2025

Phl troops to get Typhoon training next month

A Philippine platoon will be trained in using a US mid-range missile system next month ahead of joint drills, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said yesterday, in a move that will further fuel tensions with China.

1 min

Comelec, TikTok team up vs fake news

As the campaign period for the May midterm polls nears, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday signed a deal with social media platform TikTok to fight fake news and disinformation.

1 min

Prosecutors junk assault, disobedience raps vs Sara

The Quezon City Prosecutor's Office has dismissed the criminal cases filed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) against Vice President Sara Duterte and the chief of her security detail over an incident at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMCC) last year.

1 min

'Blank items' in 2025 budget brought to SC

Nearly a month after its enactment, the 2025 national budget may again come under scrutiny—this time by the Supreme Court, which is being asked to declare the outlay unconstitutional.

5 mins

Drop in onion stocks no cause for alarm - DA

Will consumers be weeping again over the steep price of onions?

3 mins

China's sonic device use escalating tension in WPS

China's latest act of using sonic devices to harass Philippine vessels and their crew in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) further proves how Beijing is the one increasing tension in the region, according to a Philippine military official.

1 min

Excavation of Phl's Longest Tunnel Road Done by Q2

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) expects to finish the excavation works of what would become the longest tunnel in the Philippines by the second quarter of the year.

1 min

68 M doses of COVID vaccine wasted - COA report

High vaccine wastage and low vaccination and booster rates marred the government's P74.68-million COVID-19 National Vaccination Program (CNVP), which was implemented from 2021 to 2022, the Commission on Audit (COA) said in its latest report.

1 min

Maharlika eyeing NGCP shares of State Grid of China

The Maharlika Investment Corp. (MIC) is open to acquiring shares of the State Grid Corp. of China (SGCC), which owns 40 percent of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP).

3 mins

PAO seeks reversal of order to withdraw Dengvaxia cases

The Public Attorney's Office (PAO) has asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) to reverse its decision to withdraw 98 Dengvaxia-related complaints of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide filed in court against former health secretary and incumbent Iloilo 1st District Rep. Janette Garin and two other former officials of the Department of Health (DOH).

3 mins

BBM on Lunar New Year: Pursue ambitions for greater good

President Marcos joins the Filipino-Chinese community in celebrating the Lunar New Year today, and reminds everyone to pursue \"grand ambitions\" not just for themselves, but for the greater good.

2 mins

Meralco to Refund P19B to Consumers

Customers of power distributor Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) can expect a refund of about P19.1 billion once the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) approves its application.

1 min

DOH offers help in DepEd sex education content

The Department of Health (DOH) yesterday said it is ready to collaborate with the Department of Education (DepEd) and assist teachers in improving the content of sex education to ensure that the subject is more comprehensible and appropriate for students.

1 min

AFP insists arrested Chinese a 'sleeper agent'

Despite denials from his Filipina wife and while still under probe by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), detained suspected Chinese spy Yuanqing Deng was clearly a \"sleeper agent\" involved in espionage activities, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) insisted yesterday.

2 mins

DMW: OFWs affected by California wildfires get cash aid

Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by massive wildfires in California have started to receive financial aid from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

1 min

Maslog gets 10 years for textbook scam

Businesswoman Mary Ann Tupa Maslog, who previously faked her death to avoid conviction, was sentenced by the Sandiganbayan to up to 10 years in prison for graft in connection with the P24-million textbook scam in 1998.

2 mins

For using EDSA busway, Tulfo scolds congressman son

Sen. Raffy Tulfo said yesterday he scolded his son, Quezon City Rep. Ralph Tulfo, who was apprehended for using the EDSA bus lane.

1 min

No work, no pay today - DOLE

Employees who will not work today to celebrate the Lunar New Year will not be getting any pay, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

1 min

HDO Issued vs Cops in P6.7-B Drug Haul

A Manila court has issued a travel ban on 30 police officers, including two generals, for allegedly mishandling a P6.7-billion shabu haul in Tondo, Manila in October 2022.

1 min

Remains of Pinay killed by Slovenian husband home

The remains of a Filipina who was allegedly killed by her Slovenian husband arrived in Cebu on Monday.

1 min

Girl, 6, critical after being beaten by playmate's mom

A six-year-old girl remains in critical condition after being assaulted by her playmate's mother in Caloocan City, police reported on Monday.

1 min

The Chinese in our hearts

In case you're not aware, all those fireworks, lion/dragon dances and feasting in our country for the Lunar New Year are in celebration of an Intangible Cultural Heritage as declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

3 mins

Third places and 'no buy zones'

Like many modern-day working parents, I have often wondered how Gen XYZ in the Philippines manage to sustain the habit of frequenting coffee shops and coffee bars, especially those who are still in school or non-working family members.

4 mins

Ending hysteria

EDITORIAL

2 mins

Phl faces 3 elections this year

Before the 19th Congress adjourned for their Christmas break in December last year, the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading the bill seeking to postpone the first-ever regular elections for the members of Parliament in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) this coming May 12, 2025, scheduled to be held alongside the mid-term national and local elections.

4 mins

Gov't to go bankrupt, Filipinos to go hungrier

GOTCHA

3 mins

The last word

THE CORNER ORACLE

4 mins

The good old days, when life was simple

Point of view

2 mins

Stop crackdown vs NGOs, cops urged

House Assistant Minority Leader and Gabriela Women's party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas is urging authorities to stop the crackdown on non-government organizations (NGOs) suspected of having links to communists.

1 min

Baguio temperature dips to 11.8 °C

Baguio City recorded a temperature of 11.8 degrees Celsius yesterday as the northeast monsoon or amihan continues to prevail in the country.

1 min

Wanted Japanese Linked to Online Fraud Nabbed

A Japanese fugitive linked to a group engaged in online scamming was arrested in San Pablo, Laguna on Monday night.

1 min

Auschwitz survivors decry anti-Semitism on 80th anniversary

Some of the few remaining survivors of Auschwitz returned to the Nazi death camp on Monday, condemning a \"huge rise\" in anti-Semitism on the 80th anniversary of its liberation.

1 min

Fast-moving fires torch national parks in southeast Australia

Firefighters were desperately trying to stop a cluster of fast-moving blazes in southeast Australia yesterday, as thousands of acres of national park burned and a farming community was forced to evacuate.

1 min

Trump Wishes to Move Gazans to Egypt, Jordan

WASHINGTON (AFP) - US President Donald Trump on Monday reiterated his desire to move Palestinians from Gaza to \"safer\" locations such as Egypt or Jordan, and said he would meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington \"very soon.\"

1 min

Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni gets March 2026 trial date

A New York judge set a March 2026 trial date on Monday and moved an initial conference from mid-February to next week as the public feud between Blake Lively and her \"It Ends With Us\" costar and director Justin Baldoni continued to grow and accelerate.

1 min

Lady Gaga Announces March Release for New Album 'Mayhem'

Expect some mayhem this spring, courtesy of Lady Gaga.

1 min

Trump 'not 100% sure' he's barred from third term

US President Donald Trump once again hinted at the idea of serving a third term, saying he was \"not 100 percent sure\" he was barred from doing so under the Constitution, which forbids it.

1 min

Sweden intercepts Bulgarian ship over damaged Baltic cable

The Swedish coast guard seized a Bulgarian ship after a fiber-optic cable under the Baltic Sea linking Sweden to Latvia was damaged, officials said on Monday.

1 min

Pons, Carlos lead Creamline to sixth win in row

Creamline showed great resolve in a 25-12, 25-21, 25-19 victory over Nxled yesterday that stretched its amazing immaculate run to six in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena.

1 min

Echoes from Olympians

The San Miguel Corp. Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Annual Awards Night at the Manila Hotel last Monday wasn't only a celebration of the country's top sports performers of 2024 but also a tribute to Olympians, past and present.

2 mins

WILL FATE SMILE ON NLEX?

The scenarios are plenty, some unpleasant, for quarterfinals-chasing NLEX.

1 min

Go, Villanueva share TCC lead

Lloyd Go birdied three of the last five holes in blustery conditions, catching Dino Villanueva at the top with a three-under 69 in the opening round of The Country Club Invitational 2025 at the TCC course here yesterday.

1 min

Junior Altas primed for NCAA title run

From a runner-up finish last season, the Perpetual Help Junior Altas are hopeful on going to the top in the NCAA Season 100 Juniors Basketball Tournament that kicks off Feb. 18.

1 min

Rockets shoot down Celtics

Amen Thompson drove for the game-winner with 1.3 seconds left to lift the Houston Rockets to a gritty 114-112 victory over the NBA champion Boston Celtics on Monday.

1 min

KQ Ready For Gilas

Two-time UAAP men's basketball MVP Kevin Quiambao is set to fly in from Korea on Feb. 12 to join Gilas in a pocket tournament in Doha and will be available to play in the coming FIBA Asia Cup third qualifying window.

1 min

Agri output dwindles to 8-year low in 2024

The value of the country's agriculture and fisheries output fell by 2.2 percent to P1.725 trillion in 2024, the lowest in eight years as unfavorable weather conditions and pests curbed production nationwide, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

2 mins

BCDA marks new era for Camp John Hay

After years of legal battles between state-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and Camp John Hay Development Corp. (CJHDevCo) led by Robert Sobrepeña, Camp John Hay is entering a new era, with the government regaining control over the property located in the country's summer capital.

5 mins

Crowdfunding Generates P2.2B for MSMEs

Crowdfunding as an accessible and viable capital-raising option for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the country is gaining traction, generating over P2 billion in fresh funds for small businesses.

2 mins

Q3 GDP Growth Kept at 5.2% – PSA

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) kept the country's economic growth rate in the third quarter at 5.2 percent, but said there were revisions in some sectors.

1 min

Market Plunges to 14-Month Low as Investors Await Fresh Leads

The local stock market dropped for the third straight session, plunging to a 14-month low as investors continued to search for fresh leads that could potentially come later this week.

1 min

And the deal was done

After one last 10-hour ordeal being grilled at Congress, Big Boy Sy finally agreed to a binding agreement that will let the Maharlika Investment Fund in Synergy Grid Philippines and National Grid Corp. of the Philippines for a 20 percent stake.

4 mins

Bank of Commerce Launches Peso Bond Offering

San Miguel-led Bank of Commerce (BankCom) has started the public offer of its dual-tranche fixed rate bonds, aiming to raise at least P5 billion with an oversubscription option.

1 min

Hotel101 Global app breaches 1M registered users

DoubleDragon Corp., the listed property developer owned by Edgar \"Injap\" Sia II and Tony Tan Caktiong, has achieved a new milestone as it continues to expand its hotel portfolio, hitting one million registered users on its Hotel101 Global app.

1 min

GSIS sells stake in AirTrunk, raises P15.8 B for pension fund

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has received $272 million (P15.8 billion) from the Macquarie Asia Infrastructure Fund 2 (MAIF2), following the successful sale of the fund's stake in AirTrunk, a leading regional data center operator.

1 min

Amid inflation concerns, URC, Rebisco expect topline growth

Snack food firms Universal Robina Corp. (URC) and Republic Biscuit Corp. (Rebisco) are expecting to see growth in their top lines this year, but noted inflation remains a concern.

2 mins

Nestle Investing P6 B to Boost Phl Operations

Food and beverage giant Nestle Philippines Inc. is spending P6 billion until 2027 to enhance its operations, as well as support nutrition and sustainability initiatives in the country.

1 min

DOTr sets talks with NNIC on traffic flow

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) plans to sit down with officials of the New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC) to discuss the ongoing modifications to the traffic flow along the three terminals of the now privatized airport after receiving some complaints from the public regarding constriction of traffic flow caused by the extension of some of the toll exits of the NAIA Expressway affecting Terminals 1 and 2, and the ongoing renovations being undertaken by NNIC around Terminal 3.

5 mins

Phinma venturing into community housing in Davao, Bacolod

Phinma Corp., the listed diversified conglomerate of the Del Rosario Group, plans to venture into community housing this year, with initial projects eyed in Davao and Bacolod.

1 min

Radisson to open upscale Makati serviced apartments

The Radisson Hotel Group is expanding its presence in the Philippines as it is set to open an upscale serviced apartment in Salcedo Village, Makati.

1 min

DTI: Cognizant, Maersk, other firms eye Phl expansion

Information technology (IT) services firm Cognizant and transport and logistics firm A.P. Moller-Maersk are exploring investment opportunities in the Philippines, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

2 mins

JoyRide taps PLDT as connectivity provider

Motorcycle-for-hire app JoyRide PH has signed the services of telco giant PLDT Inc. to boost its connectivity solutions in preparation for further expansion.

1 min

Kia Sales Rev Up in 2024

Kia Philippines achieved its highest monthly sales in December last year, contributing to the 33 percent growth in its full-year 2024 sales.

1 min

MVP, RSA, Aboitiz Seal $3.3-B LNG Deal

Tycoons Manuel V. Pangilinan, Ramon Ang and Sabin Aboitiz have completed their $3.3-billion power venture to launch the country's first and largest integrated liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility.

1 min

South Korea consortium to help firms enter Phl market

South Korea has formed a consortium of public and private companies that will provide support to Korean companies looking to enter the Philippines' urban development market.

1 min

BSP Proposes New IT Risk Management Rules

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is proposing amendments to existing regulations on banks' information technology (IT) risk management to combat financial account fraud.

1 min

Failed biddings delay start of Phl's first border facility

A series of failed bidding stalled the operationalization of the Cold Examination Facility for Agriculture (CEFA) in Bulacan, forcing the Department of Agriculture (DA) to target its completion before the end of the first half.

1 min

Philip Stein Unveils Limited-Edition Infinity Year of the Snake Collection

Luxury watchmaker Philip Stein has launched the exclusive Infinity Year of the Snake Collection, commemorating the 2025 Year of the Wood Snake.

1 min

Charles & Keith Inspired by Rebirth and Bold Evolution

Charles & Keith ushers the Lunar New Year with a collection inspired by the transformative energy of 2025's zodiac animal: the Wood Snake.

1 min

Gucci Celebrates the Lunar New Year with Ni Ni and Xiao Zhan

Gucci celebrates the Lunar New Year with a new campaign featuring global brand ambassadors Ni Ni and Xiao Zhan, paying tribute to family, tradition, and the symbolic renewal of the Year of the Snake.

2 mins

MELANIA'S HAT OVERSHADOWS TRUMP'S INAUGURAL

More than what US President Donald Trump had to say in his inaugural speech, it was probably what First Lady Melania Trump was wearing that went viral on social media.

4 mins

Start Saving Today To Secure Your Child's Future

Turn small savings into building blocks for your child's bright future today.

2 mins

New World Hotel's Lucky Menu

At New World Makati, our lucky table groaned with mouthwatering delights such as roasted suckling pig, braised winter melon broth, red auspicious sweet sour prawns, stir-fried scallops, steamed garoupa, roasted duck, poached chicken with Sichuan chili vinaigrette, crispy seafood taro puff, braised abalone mushrooms, dried oyster, shiitake, sea moss, greens and, for dessert, sweetened red bean soup with glutinous rice balls.

1 min

THE WOOD SNAKE 2025: A YEAR OF PERSONAL AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

As the Dragon 2024 loses its fire and makes a not-so graceful exit, the Wood Snake 2025 sneaks in at exactly midnight on Jan. 29, Wednesday, slithering away on the eve of Feb. 16, 2026.

1 min

BINONDO: THE BUSTLING HOMETOWN OF MY ANCESTORS

Fascinated by the movement of my Ongpin ancestors around the many addresses they held in Binondo, the center of Manila's Chinatown, I was curious to delve deeper into the streets that played a role in the fortunes of the Roman Ongpin family and their general merchandise shop \"El 82\" (pronounced \"el ochenta y dos\") that specialized in art supplies, from the late 19th century until the decline of the business after World War II.

9 mins

Where flavor is served with fortune Ring in the Year of the Wood Snake at Newport World Resorts

It is common knowledge that a hearty feast binds people together. In Chinese culture, this practice not only strengthens relationships but also brings prosperity in all the essential areas of life: love, career, and health.

3 mins

THE CHINESE IN PINOY FOOD

Even though I don't cook Chinese food all the time, I can hardly step into my kitchen without encountering ingredients, equipment and cooking methods that can be traced back to China. Adding a dash of soy sauce to add deepness to my gravy? Stir-frying veggies in my wok or using my steamer as a healthy way to cook fish or chicken? These all have roots in Chinese cuisine.

4 mins

HSBC CELEBRATES 150 YEARS IN THE PHILIPPINES

In celebration of its 150th year in the Philippines and to welcome the Year of the Wood Snake, HSBC Philippines hosted \"Fortunes Unfolding\" at Makati Shangri-La.

1 min

Meet Jose Rizal, the Fifth-Generation Taipan

It's hard to think of the Jose Rizal we all know and love—and named \"The First Filipino\" by his biographer, Leon Ma. Guerrero—as anything else but Pinoy.

3 mins

Vista Land Offers Up to 45% Savings on Ready Homes This Lunar New Year

Vista Land continues to bring the lifelong dream of homeownership to many Filipinos across the archipelago with its MOVE Program.

2 mins

Shop For CNY Essentials At The SM Store

M Store takes the hassle out of Chinese New Year shopping by offering a wide array of essentials, all in one convenient location.

1 min

Meet Jose Rizal, The Fifth-Generation Taipan

Meet Jose Rizal, the fifth-generation Chinese-Filipino Taipan whose family history is deeply rooted in the rich farmlands of Biñan, Laguna. Their story unfolds through generations of successful entrepreneurship and political influence, culminating in the life of our beloved national hero.

2 mins

What to stream: The Weeknd album, Reese Witherspoon, Will Ferrell, 'SNL' music and 'Babygirl'

Reese Witherspoon and Will Ferrell starring in the wedding comedy \"You're Cordially Invited\" and The Weeknd's album Hurry Up Tomorrow are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you.

4 mins

JANNO GIBBS DEFENDS VMX CONTENT

Janno Gibbs expressed his opinion over the claims of Senate president Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada that VMX (formerly Vivamax) has been streaming \"sexy content,\" which is \"easily accessible and may target younger audiences, who are more susceptible to influence.\"

2 mins

Boots Turns 80 With Concert To Benefit Mowelfund

Boots Anson-Roa Rodrigo is celebrating her 80th birthday with a benefit concert on Jan. 31 at the Music Museum.

3 mins

JuanCast and The Philippine STAR: A new era of interactive fan engagement

JuanCast, a revolutionary online platform designed to enhance fan experiences and bring fandoms closer to their idols, has partnered with The Philippine STAR, the country's leading newspaper, to create a dynamic new approach to fan engagement.

2 mins

HOW CHINESE HERITAGE FLAVORS FILIPINO CULTURE

Bite into a fluffy siopao (steamed bun), slurp a plate of pancit (noodles), or enjoy a lumpia (spring roll), and you're tasting more than just beloved Filipino comfort food—you're savoring a millennium of cultural fusion.

1 min

NEW YEAR OF ECONOMIC PROGRESS, DIPLOMACY AND HARMONY

Dear Friends, Colleagues, and Fellow Filipinos, Maligayang Bagong Taon! As we usher in the Year of the Snake, I extend my warmest greetings and heartfelt wishes to everyone this Chinese Lunar New Year.

2 mins

Modern Trailblazers Who've Contributed to Philippine Progress

The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FFCCCII), led by President Dr. Cecilio K. Pedro, presents special awards to contemporary luminaries who are Filipinos with Chinese heritage.

1 min

Heroes and Icons: The Legacy of Moral Courage and Excellence

From revolutionaries and media icons to modern-day pop culture stars, Chinese heritage has profoundly helped shape Philippine history and culture through the centuries. Here are just some of many Filipino heroes with Chinese lineage:

1 min

Empowering futures: Filipino Chinese entrepreneurs donate 6,200 public school buildings

In the history of Philippine philanthropy, few initiatives shine as brightly as the \"Operation Barrio Schools,\" a monumental civic project undertaken by the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII).

2 mins

Why This Fusion Matters

The stories of siopao, heroism, and art by Filipinos of Chinese heritage aren't just about adaptation; it's about celebration.

1 min

Filipino Chinese business leaders support Philippine tourism A catalyst for economic growth and rural development

A catalyst for economic growth and rural development

2 mins

Economic & Socio-Civic Advocacies of FFCCCII in past 70 Years

Over seven decades, the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) has been at the forefront of diverse economic advocacies and socio-civic projects, showcasing their unwavering commitment to national development.

1 min

HYUNDAI MOTOR PHILIPPINES' STELLAR 2024 AND BEYOND

It seems fitting that Hyundai Motor Philippines (HMPH) has two 'star' models and was able to actually have a stellar year for themselves.

4 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.