The Philippine Star - December 13, 2024

In this issue

December 13, 2024

Gov't to run down all underground POGOS

BBM: They will face full force of the law

3 mins

Palace: Budget to be reviewed, signed before Christmas

President Marcos is slated to sign into law the P6.532-trillion national budget for 2025 before Christmas.

3 mins

Ex-PDEA chief Villanueva cited in contempt by quad comm

The quad committee of the House of Representatives yesterday cited former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) director general Wilkins Villanueva in contempt for lying under oath.

2 mins

Unprogrammed funds: Koko seeks SC intervention

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III is preparing to challenge before the Supreme Court the constitutionality of the bicameral conference committee's move to increase to P531.6 billion the unprogrammed funds in the 2025 national budget.

1 min

Metro water rate hike gets MWSS nod

Households in the Greater Manila Area will face higher water bills starting next year after the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System-Regulatory Office (MWSS-RO) approved the rate hikes for Maynilad Water Services and Manila Water.

1 min

Nationwide crackdown set vs fake PWD IDs

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) will launch a nationwide crackdown on the sale and use of fake identification cards for persons with disabilities, labeling the practice as a tax evasion scheme.

1 min

It's final: 66 to vie for Senate in 2025

The list has been finalized: 66 senatorial aspirants will compete for the 12 seats available in the May 2025 midterm polls, the Commission on Elections announced.

2 mins

BBM: Avoid provocative WPS statements

Officials are under orders from President Marcos not to engage in acts or take positions that may escalate tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

2 mins

Sara mum on secret fund recipients

Vice President Sara Duterte refused to give the House of Representatives any explanation regarding the identities of \"Mary Grace Piattos,\" \"Chippy McDonalds\" and other names that appeared in the acknowledgment receipts (ARs) as supposed recipients of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and Department of Education (DepEd)'s confidential funds in 2022 and 2023.

3 mins

Bicam OKs higher soldiers' allowance

Soldiers' subsistence allowance has been increased to P350 from P150.

1 min

DA: No control over lechon prices

The Department of Agriculture has no jurisdiction over the selling price of roast pig or lechon following reports that the retail price had increased by 30 percent amid higher demand during the holidays, a ranking DA official said yesterday.

1 min

Davao cacao co-op relishes sweet success via LANDBANK partnership

From its humble beginnings to the success it is now reaping, the growth of the Biao Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (BARBCO) is deeply rooted in the soil of collective endeavor, resilience, and fruitful partnerships.

2 mins

A PIONEERING NET ZERO VISION

Globe leads the way with green network and sustainable practices

3 mins

PASKONG PINOY, KAHIT SAAN KA MAN

Camille Villar celebrates early Christmas with OFWs in Taiwan

2 mins

Campaign pollution

Politicians polluting public spaces with their campaign materials are not only bad for aesthetics and the environment; they are also bad for your health.

4 mins

Penalizing DUI

As travel and revelry increase during the holidays, the Land Transportation Office has announced that it would be deploying breathalyzers nationwide to promote road safety.

1 min

'Pito-pito X 4' and new rides

When Filipinos mention the term \"pito-pito,\" it generally refers to a local plant or herb believed to have medicinal value.

4 mins

Taking a look at modern China

China is going through a period of massive change and it is a major actor in the world markets.

3 mins

They'd be fooling us again on PhilHealth, education

We're dumb—all 119 million of us Filipinos. That's why the President, VP, Cabinet, senators, congressmen kick us around.

3 mins

Unbelievable testimony

In the crime of rape, the accused sometimes uses the \"sweetheart defense\" in which he claims that he and the victim are sweethearts and therefore the sexual intercourse between them is consensual.

3 mins

Bong Go aids Taguig fire victims

Sen. Bong Go on Wednesday distributed aid to 228 families affected by a fire in Barangay Tanyag, Taguig.

1 min

PNP cracks down on private armed groups, loose guns

To ensure the safe conduct of the 2025 midterm elections, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen.

1 min

DTI wants vape with formaldehyde content banned

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has censured two vape companies for coming out with online posts saying they were fully compliant with government regulations.

1 min

Teodoro to appeal cancellation of COC for congressman

Saying he is a legitimate resident of Marikina's first district, Mayor Marcelino Teodoro has vowed to contest the decision of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) canceling his candidacy for congressman over his residency issue.

1 min

Fire hits former Cubao theater

Four people were injured after a fire struck a commercial building in Cubao, Quezon City yesterday.

1 min

Makati police chief axed over 'shooting' near Castro's car

The chief of the Makati police station was relieved from his post following an alleged shooting that occurred in front of the car of Alliance of Concerned Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro on Wednesday night.

1 min

Power transmission costs down this month - NGCP

Transmission charges for this month's power bill will be slightly lower due to reduced ancillary service (AS) costs, according to the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines.

1 min

Hazardous eruption possible in Kanlaon'

BACOLOD CITY - State volcanologists yesterday warned that a \"hazardous eruption\" may occur at Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island in the coming weeks.

2 mins

Cop chief sacked over bank heist

The officer-in-charge of the Los Baños police has been dismissed from his post in connection with a bank robbery in Barangay San Antonio over the weekend.

1 min

3 electrocuted at jamboree; 12 injured

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Three members of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) died while 12 others were injured following an accident at a jamboree site in Barangay Pasonanca in this city yesterday morning.

1 min

LTO deploys breathalyzers for safer holiday travel

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has deployed breathalyzers nationwide to keep roads safe during the holiday season.

1 min

Israel, Palestinians explore Gaza truce with US envoy

Israelis and Palestinians are signaling new efforts to forge a ceasefire deal, even a limited one, for the first time in a year that would pause the fighting in Gaza and return to Israel some of the hostages still held in the Palestinian enclave.

1 min

SoKor's Yoon vows to 'fight to the end'

SEOUL (AFP) - South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol vowed yesterday to fight \"until the very last minute\" in a defiant address defending his shock decision to declare martial law and deploy troops to the country's parliament last week.

1 min

Mangione described rationale for CEO killing in notebook

NEW YORK - Luigi Mangione, who has been charged with killing the chief executive of UnitedHealthcare outside a company investors' day in Manhattan, was arrested with a notebook that detailed plans for the shooting, according to two law enforcement officials.

1 min

Musk's net worth tops $400 B, a historic first

Tesla and SpaceX boss Elon Musk's net worth has surpassed $400 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, setting a new milestone on Wednesday for the world's richest person.

1 min

Widow acquitted of murdering Japan's 'Don Juan'

A Japanese court ruled yesterday that the young widow of an elderly real estate mogul was not guilty of murdering the self-described \"Don Juan\" just months into their marriage, local media reported.

1 min

New Syria PM 'guarantees' all religious groups' rights

Syria's new interim prime minister pledged to protect minority rights as Washington's top diplomatflew to the region yesterday to urge an \"inclusive\" transition after the ouster of president Bashar al-Assad.

1 min

Taiwan detects 16 Chinese warships around island

MOSCOW (AFP) - Russia on Wednesday vowed retribution against Ukraine, accusing Kyiv of firing Western-supplied missiles on a military airfield in its southern Rostov region.

1 min

Russia vows retaliation after Ukrainian ATACMS strike

MOSCOW (AFP) - Russia on Wednesday vowed retribution against Ukraine, accusing Kyiv of firing Western-supplied missiles on a military airfield in its southern Rostov region.

1 min

Quiambao locked in on ultimate prize

If there were still doubts on his stature as the country's best collegiate player today, La Salle ace Kevin Quiambao quashed all of those with a performance for the books in Game 2 of the heated UAAP Season 87 men's basketball finals.

1 min

Magsayo, Suarez chase dreams

SPORTING CHANCE

2 mins

John Hay retakes Fil-A lead, Forest Hills paces Am-A

BAGUIO - Camp John Hay Golf Team 1 drew another big game from Paolo Wong to regain the lead and zero in on the Fil-A division crown in the 74th Januarius Fil Am Invitational at the Baguio Country Club.

1 min

Creamline survives five-set grind

Creamline, load managing Tots Carlos, survived a feisty ZUS Coffee, 2522, 28-30, 26-24, 1725, 15-13, yesterday to catch Cignal at the helm of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena.

1 min

MUNZON. BATANG PIER STAY HOT

Joshua Munzon picked up from where he left off last week and served as NorthPort's main propeller to its new franchise-best 5-0 start in the PBA Commissioner's Cup.

1 min

Phl XI, Myanmar fight to 1-1 draw

The Philippines rallied from one-goal down to salvage a 1-1 draw against Myanmar in the Asean Championship-Mitsubishi Electric Cup last night at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

1 min

VSPC riders gearing up for busy 2025 calendar

Victoria Sports Pro Cycling (VSPC) is ready to conquer every summit of the world with a bevy of international races next year after a productive season highlighted by new heights and feats, individually and team-wise.

1 min

Jollibee cooking up expansion in Vietnam, entry into Australia

VIETNAM-Asian food conglomerate Jollibee Foods Corp. (JFC) is accelerating the expansion of its flagship brand outside the Philippines, with plans to ramp up store openings in Vietnam as well as make its much-awaited entry into the Australian market.

2 mins

-Elections to impact government spending in 2025

Midterm elections next year can drag down government spending due to a scheduled mandatory ban on new expenditures, according to the Cabinet-level Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC).

1 min

'Phl among Asian countries less vulnerable to Trump 2.0'

The Philippines is one of emerging Asian economies less likely to be significantly affected by US president-elect Donald Trump's proposed tariffs on imports, according to the UK-based think tank Pantheon Macroeconomics.

2 mins

Looming Fed action weighs on local market

Investors are becoming wary of the looming US Fed decision on monetary policy, forcing them to exercise caution ahead of the policy-making meeting next week.

1 min

PLDT, Smart win at 2024 World Communication Awards

PINOY TECH TRIUMPHS

1 min

ACEN acquires 49% stake in Bangladesh solar farm

Ayala-led ACEN Corp. has further expanded its international presence with the acquisition of a 49-percent stake in the 70-megawatt (MW) Sonagazi power project in Bangladesh.

1 min

MPIC's agri unit keen on boosting Phl milk production

Metro Pacific Agro Ventures Inc. (MPAV), the agribusiness firm of tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan, is keen on collaborating with the National Dairy Authority (NDA) in boosting the country's milk production and reducing dependence on imported sources.

2 mins

Steady 5.8% growth for Phl seen in 2025

The Institute of International Finance (IIF) expects the Philippine economy to grow by 5.8 percent next year, higher than the 4.6 percent regional forecast, as it is less exposed to international trade and the slowdown of demand from China.

2 mins

BSP likely to hold policy rate?

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas does not intend to increase its key policy rate, according to BSP Governor Eli Remolona, but the Monetary Board will still discuss what action it would take during its last policy rate meeting on the 19th of this month even as the BSP chief does not see any need to pump prime the economy for next year as some analysts are suggesting.

4 mins

How we have fallen

It's so heartbreaking for our generation to see how we have fallen through the years.

4 mins

Phl, New Zealand ink climate cooperation pact

New Zealand and the Philippines have made a Joint Declaration to develop a climate cooperation framework.

1 min

Gov't rejects ComClark's proposal to upgrade, operate air navigation

The government has rejected the P29.82-billion proposal of tech tycoon Dennis Anthony Uy to operate and maintain the country's air navigation facilities, according to the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center.

1 min

Kultura eyes fresh brands

Kultura, a brand that started as the Philippine crafts section at the SM Store in Makati in 2004, is eyeing fresh brands to add to its growing roster of partners as it embarks on its third decade of operations next year.

1 min

DOE: Offshore wind auction set in 3rd Quarter next year

The Department of Energy (DOE) is set to launch the green energy auction (GEA) for offshore wind projects as early as July 2025, aiming to deliver the first kilowatts by 2028.

1 min

Nuclear energy seen as key solution to climate challenges

Nuclear energy will not only serve as a dependable backbone for the power grid but also emerge as a vital solution to the country's increasing climate challenges, according to a nuclear advocacy group.

2 mins

ADB OKs $500 M loan to improve public finance

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $500 million loan to support the Philippines' public financial management (PFM) reform agenda.

1 min

FLI creates more room for FILRT asset infusion

Filinvest Land Inc. (FLI), the Gotianun family's listed property developer, is gearing up to infuse more assets into Filinvest REIT Corp. (FILRT) following the completion of its capped voluntary tender offer.

1 min

The fabled Kenneth Cobonpue

For the multi-awarded, world-renowned designer Kenneth Cobonpue, inspiration lies everywhere-from the constellations in the sky and the waves of the ocean, to the insects and animals that inhabit his physical and imaginary world, to crumpled soda cans with their undulating forms.

6 mins

FURNITURE INSPIRED BY TRUNKS – AND PASTA?

Louis Vuitton built his legacy on the art of travel, crafting trunks that carried dreams across continents.

4 mins

DARE TO LAUGH AT ANNA AKANA'S 'IT GETS DARKER' COMEDY SPECIAL IN MANILA

Catch Anna Akana's 'It Gets Darker' stand-up comedy special on February 16, 2025 at Samsung Hall, SM Aura

1 min

ONE CLICK STRAIGHT TELLS STORIES WITH SOUL

One sunny afternoon in October, the alternative rock band One Click Straight shows Young STAR their magic: crafting art with unique sounds and storylines so rooted in Filipino culture and life experiences.

3 mins

Christmas came in June

Before my mother passed away last year, one of her last wishes was for our modest house in Gulod to be renovated.

5 mins

Marissa Orosa-Concepcion: Woman of Grace & Gratitude

I first got to know about the work of the Laura Vicuña Foundation, which cares for children in need of special protection, through one of its benefactors, Marissa Orosa-Concepcion.

3 mins

WHY 'CREATURE COMMANDOS' TOPS ALL OF JAMES GUNN'S WORKS

JAMES GUNN CAN CONFIDENTLY SAY THAT HIS superhero animated series \"Creature Commandos\" is the \"best thing\" he has ever done, even \"loving\" it more than his other successful projects like \"Guardians of the Galaxy.\"

4 mins

Vice Ganda opens up about mental health therapy

Vice Ganda admitted to undergoing therapy for mental health reasons.

2 mins

A legacy for the future

Since 1997, the ICCP Group Foundation Inc. has empowered communities and improved their standard of living through initiatives that yield long-term gains that could benefit generations.

3 mins

Cautiously Optimistic: Philippine residential market prepares for growth in 2025

LIVING PHILIPPINES

2 mins

The sounds of the season abound at Vista Land master planned developments

Vista Land brings the magic of the season to life through a string of melodies that resonate across its collection of master planned developments called Vista Estates.

2 mins

Austrian plastic packaging leader ALPLA partners with Filinvest Innovation Park in Calamba

A labang, Philippines - Filinvest Land Inc. (FLI) celebrates the entry of its newest client, ALPLA Philippines, into the expanding industrial hub of Filinvest Innovation Park Ciudad de Calamba.

1 min

ASIA PACIFIC SHELTER AND SETTLEMENTS FORUM 2024: BUILDING RESILIENCE AND BRIDGING INCLUSIVITY

The Philippines recently hosted the Asia Pacific Shelter and Settlements Forum 2024 (APSSF 2024), a pivotal platform for sharing best practices and promoting resilient and inclusive housing across Asia and the Pacific attended by diverse sectors including government, global and local humanitarian institutions, international and Philippine-based civil societies and non-government organizations, professionals, academics, and housing stakeholders.

3 mins

Soaring to a hundred: Wilcon Depot's remarkable journey to 100 stores

We begin every year with hearts brimming with hope and optimism of what is to come.

4 mins

WILCON OPENS ITS 100TH STORE IN LUBAO, PAMPANGA:

6 Reasons why Wilcon Depot and Pampanga are a perfect fit

4 mins

LIVING CONNECTED: LADY ANN VALENTON'S JOURNEY OF BUILDING A LIFE AND COMMUNITY AT CAPITOL COMMONS

Lady Ann and husband Angelo Valenton, the couple behind POWER 4 ALL, have built more than just a home within Ortigas Land's Capitol Commons...

3 mins

Condo living in Ortigas: A practical choice for the modern Filipino

Where traditional houses once dominated Metro Manila's residential landscape, condominiums are becoming the preferred choice of modern Filipinos.

2 mins

Minotti Manila reimagined: A blend of tradition and modernity

Living Innovations proudly unveils the newly renovated Minotti showroom in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

2 mins

CALAX: Connecting Southern Luzon with mobility, tourism, and sustainability

The Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), a project operated by Metro Pacific Tollways South, is set to redefine transportation in Southern Luzon with its transformative approach to mobility, tourism, and environmental sustainability.

2 mins

JCVA outlines strategic growth areas for the construction industry in 2025

Construction consultancy firm JCV & Associates Project Management and Development, Inc. (JCVA) laid out an ambitious vision for 2025 during a media roundtable held on November 28.

2 mins

LYNK & CO PH INAUGURATES LYNK & CO QUEZON AVENUE

Ends 2024 strong with the opening of its newest dealership in the heart of Quezon City

2 mins

Make December a Christmas to cherish With Lexus

This December, make this Christmas a memorable one with exclusive offers from Lexus. From December 1 to 31, 2024, guests can avail personalized packages with zero percent interest on select Lexus vehicles.

1 min

Ford Bronco: True-blue off-roader

The Ford Bronco is more than just a vehicle; it's an icon.

3 mins

Mitsubishi XForce: An impressive return to the Crossover segment

The Mitsubishi ] ASX was one of my dream cars. It had the Lancer's face, rally car silhouette, and a healthy 150 ps of power on tap.

4 mins

Isuzu PH opens innovative and sustainable Isuzu Bulacan IOS dealership

STATE-OF-THE-ART DEALERSHIP FACILITY

2 mins

Porsche unleashes new fully electric Taycan Turbo S in PHL

All-new Taycan models are more powerful, efficient, and can travel farther on a full charge

2 mins

Escaping the city this Christmas? 5 road trip ideas for your holiday getaway

Christmas season means a lot of parties and reunions for many. The holiday gatherings may be hectic and the best way to unwind during the busy season is some quality R&R with families and loved ones.

3 mins

HYUNDAI MPVS FOR FILIPINO FAMILIES

Hyundai Motor Philippines (HMPH) has made significant strides in the automotive market since its re-establishment in 2022, especially with its expansive vehicle range that focuses on great value and standout design.

8 mins

Newest Hyundai dealership opens at Cagayan de Oro

Marks HMPH's first partnership with Autocentral Group

2 mins

Hyundai donates five Stargazer units to the Philippine National Police Command Group

Hyundai Motor Philippines Inc. (HMPH) recently concluded its ceremonial handover of five Stargazer Premium units to the Philippine National Police, last November 27, 2024, at the PNP National Headquarters, Camp Crame in Quezon City.

1 min

HMPH donates two additional H-100 units to DSWD for disaster response operations

Hyundai Motor Philippines Inc. (HMPH) recently concluded its ceremonial turnover of two additional H-100 units to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-NCR) Field Office.

1 min

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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.