The Philippine Star - December 14, 2024

In this issue

December 14, 2024

UP Law grad tops Bar exams; 3,962 takers pass

The Supreme Court (SC) yesterday announced that 3,962 of 10,490 candidates have passed this year's Bar exams.

1 min

Time names Trump Person of the Year for Second time

Time Magazine on Thursday named US president-elect Donald Trump its \"person of the year,\" marking the second time he has won the accolade, in acknowledgement of the mogul's stunning political comeback.

2 mins

Cyclone looms before Christmas; longer nights ahead

There is a low potential for a tropical cyclone that may greet Filipinos on Christmas week, according to state weather forecasters.

1 min

Quad comm lifts contempt order vs Guo, 3 others

Contempt orders against dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo, businessman Tony Yang, police Maj. Leo Laraga and Lucky South 99 representative Cassandra Ong were lifted on Thursday by the quad committee of the House of Representatives.

1 min

DepEd chief, teachers decry P12-B budget cut

Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara and teachers' groups have decried Congress' decision to cut the DepEd's 2025 budget by P12 billion.

3 mins

Sara: Impeach process a chance to defend self

While undergoing impeachment proceedings is an \"inconvenience,\" Vice President Sara Duterte said she is ready to welcome it, as it can give her the chance to defend herself in a proper venue.

2 mins

Comelec urges LGUs: Take down campaign materials

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has asked for the assistance of local government units (LGUs) in taking down campaign materials that violate local policies and regulations.

3 mins

PAOCC to ramp up operations vs illegal POGOs

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has vowed to ramp up operations against illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators starting January following President Marcos' directive to shut down all remaining POGOs.

2 mins

BBM committed to making AFP a 'world-class force'

In the face of \"evolving threats\" and \"modern warfare,\" President Marcos has renewed his commitment to transform the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) into a world-class force.

2 mins

Price hike for gas, diesel seen next week

Another round of mixed adjustments is expected at the pumps next week, with gasoline and diesel seen increasing by as much as P0.45 per liter.

1 min

Drug war merely a budol - lawmaker

\"Nabudol tayo (We've been had)!\" This was how a member of the quad committee of the House of Representatives described the alleged \"cover-up\" of the high-level drug activities of former president Rodrigo Duterte, through his deadly war on drugs.

3 mins

Veloso: Transfer to Phl a miracle

Filipina death row inmate Mary Jane Veloso says that her planned transfer to the Philippines from Indonesia is a \"miracle,\" in her first interview since Manila and Jakarta signed an agreement last week to repatriate her.

2 mins

QCPD to deploy 1,595 cops for Christmas season

To ensure public safety during the Christmas season, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) will deploy 1,595 police personnel with 2,363 force multipliers across the city.

1 min

'Mandamus cannot compel Comelec to do recount'

A petition for a writ of mandamus cannot be used to compel the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to grant or deny a request for a ballot recount, the Supreme Court (SC) said in a ruling.

1 min

Doctors' group finds 1,280 Tondo residents with TB

The doctors' group Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has diagnosed 1,280 residents in a densely populated area in Tondo, Manila to be afflicted with tuberculosis or TB.

1 min

MMDA closes some roads for MMFF 'Parade of Stars'

Some roads along the 12-kilometer route of the 50th edition of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) will be closed to vehicles on Dec. 21, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced.

1 min

THE VELARIS RESIDENCES NORTH TOWER: A BASTION OF TRUE ELEGANCE

Embodying RHK Land's signature intentional design philosophy, The Velaris Residences has been carefully conceived as a landmark residence for those with discriminating and erudite tastes.

4 mins

Sobering

FIRST PERSON

3 mins

Funding priorities

The annual national budget is a good indication of the priorities of Congress.

1 min

Teaching organic basics to the IPs

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

4 mins

Big unprogrammed funds contained in 2025 budget

AT GROUND LEVEL

4 mins

Disturbing developments

THE BROADER VIEW

4 mins

TWG eyed to ensure smooth Sulu transition

To ensure a smooth transition of the province of Sulu from the Bangsamoro to the national government, the intergovernmental relations body (IGRB) will create a technical working group (TWG) that will oversee the process.

1 min

BBM to Kanlaon residents: Move to safer ground

As the threat of a more explosive or hazardous eruption in Kanlaon hangs, President Marcos yesterday appealed to residents living along the slopes of the volcano on Negros Island to move to safer ground, assuring them of continuous aid from the government.

2 mins

Manhunt on for 6 cops in teacher's robbery

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna - A tracker team has been formed to hunt down six dismissed policemen tagged in a robbery at the house of a retired teacher in Imus, Cavite.

1 min

Taiwan says Chinese ships have left, signaling drills over

Chinese navy and coast guard ships have returned to China, signaling the end of a massive maritime exercise, Taiwanese authorities said on Friday.

1 min

Ukraine facing massive Russian attack on energy sector

KYIV (AFP) Ukraine said yesterday that it was fending off a new missile attack on its energy system, the latest in Russia's campaign targeting the war-torn country's power grid during the winter season.

1 min

Papers tracking Beatles' legal woes sold at auction

Recently found legal documents that cast new light on the demise of The Beatles sold under the hammer for £9,000 ($11,400) on Thursday, UK auction house Dawsons said.

1 min

G7 to meet on Syria, calls for rights protection

Leaders of the G7 will attempt to forge a common approach to the new government of Syria, which has pledged to protect the rule of law after years of abuses under ousted president Bashar al-Assad.

1 min

Pope meets Palestinian leader Abbas at the Vatican

Pope Francis, who has recently intensified criticism of the Israeli offensive in Gaza, on Thursday received Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas, with whom he discussed the \"serious\" humanitarian situation.

1 min

SoKor president faces 2nd impeachment vote

SEOUL (AFP) - South Korea's opposition leader warned his ruling party colleagues on Friday that \"history will remember\" if they do not back the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol, with just over 24 hours until a vote to remove him from office.

1 min

NBA upholds call vs warriors

The NBA says referees correctly called a foul against Golden State in the final seconds of its NBA Cup quarterfinal loss in Houston, a call that Warriors coach Steve Kerr said was \"unconscionable.\"

1 min

Gilas girls now 43rd in FIBA list

Gilas Pilipinas girls climbed to No. 43 in the recent FIBA World rankings after ruling Division B of the FIBA U18 Asia Championship earlier this year.

1 min

Cignal, Petro clash in PVL yearender

End the year with a bang. This will be the goal of Cignal when it clashes with dangerous Petro Gazz in the last PVL All-Filipino Conference playdate of 2024 at the PhilSports Arena.

1 min

Phl booters take draw in stride

New-look Philippine men's football team is staying the course despite blowing a \"winnable\" game in their Asean Championship opener at home and settling for a 1-1 draw with Myanmar.

1 min

WHIFF OF FRESH AIR FOR SMB

With multi-titled Leo Austria retaking the steering wheel and Torren Jones assuming import duties, holder San Miguel Beer ended a string of misfortunes on Friday the 13th.

1 min

Last woman whistling

THE GAME OF MY LIFE

1 min

All eyes on Eastridge, Southwoods

BAGUIO - Can Eastridge Primehomes hold on and win its first title? Or will Manila Southwoods rally in time and capture a record-setting 10th straight crown?

1 min

UP's Torres escapes suspension

University of the Philippines will have a full-strength army in a bid to topple the kingdom of reigning champion La Salle in Game 3 of the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball finals tomorrow at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

1 min

CLICK TO THE HEART How photojournalists capture life unfiltered

Journalists shape our world across various media platforms, from television and radio to newspapers, either through the written word or a verbal report.

4 mins

Current account deficit widens to $5.7 B in Q3

The country's current account deficit more than doubled in the third quarter compared to a year ago amid a wider trade gap, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

2 mins

Phl milk imports to hit 2.65 M MT

The country's imports of milk and milk products are seen increasing by 14 percent to over 2.6 million metric tons (in milk equivalent) this year, driven by higher demand from food processors coupled by softer world market prices.

2 mins

Over 11,600 corporations may face suspension by SEC

Over 11,600 corporations are in danger of being suspended by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) due to failure to comply with reportorial requirements.

1 min

More foreign retailers seen entering Phl malls

More foreign retailers are projected to enter physical malls next year, mainly enticed by the country's consumption-driven economy, according to a professional services and investment management company.

2 mins

ADB approves $30-M loan for PPP project preparation

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $30-million loan to support the preparation of public-private partnership (PPP) projects in the country.

2 mins

Stocks tumble, take cues from Wall Street

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) slipped by 0.37 percent or 24.84 points to finish yesterday's session at 6,616.51.

1 min

DoubleDragon on track to attain 2025 targets

DoubleDragon Corp., the listed developer chaired by Edgar \"Injap\" Sia II, has set new goals for the company to conquer over the next decade as it looks forward to hitting its previously set targets for 2025.

1 min

ERC clears Meralco-SMC power supply deal

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) approved Manila Electric Co.'s planned purchase of 1,200-megawatt (MW) baseload supply from an energy unit of San Miguel Corp.

1 min

Make discounts available on ride-hailing apps

Commuters are demanding that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) require ride-hailing apps to give out state-mandated discounts, such as those for senior citizens.

1 min

The patience and impatience paradox

A man goes to the doctor with a swollen foot. After a careful examination, the doctor gives the man a pill big enough to choke a horse.

3 mins

Urban jungle

Metro Manila's condominium units oversupply is increasing.

3 mins

More From B1

It added that mall operators are banking on high-density retail to maximize consumers' willingness to visit brick-and-mortar mall spaces, noting that malls are likely to integrate more immersive or experiential spaces.

1 min

A SUSTAINABLE CHRISTMAS TREE WITH RETASOS AND RECYCLED STUFF

Some people balk at the idea of reusing outfits or decorations, but for Joy~Nostalg Hotel & Suites, sustainability comes first. They're not afraid of reusing or repurposing—in fact, they celebrate it.

2 mins

DERMASIA STRENGTHENS PARTNERSHIP WITH PDS

OF LOVELY FASHION AND GRAND BUFFET

1 min

A JEWELMER CROWN FOR THE UNIVERSE

Making history as the first Filipino-crafted Miss Universe crown, the Lumiere de l'Infini by Jewelmer dazzled at its unveiling in Mexico City for this year's competition.

1 min

THE BATHROOM OF YOUR DREAMS

The high-tech toilet, one of Japan's more private attractions, is becoming a must-have in luxury bathrooms worldwide. Not only does it elevate one's daily ritual, it's also more hygienic, efficient, and, yes, luxurious.

2 mins

Festive and magical tablescapes

Be the ultimate host this season and let your table shine with a whimsical tablescape.

1 min

MVP GROUP GATHERS 200 STARS FOR CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR A CAUSE

It's not every day that you'll see Willie Revillame and Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon in one massive production number by the one and only Johnny Manahan or Mr. M, as we all fondly call him in showbiz.

2 mins

FILIPINO TALENTS WHO CAME BEFORE SOFRONIO VASQUEZ IN INT'L TALENT SHOWS

BEFORE THE ADVENT and emergence of reality TV singing and talent show formats from abroad, the Pinoy talent in this creative field and competition was witnessed in singing contests abroad.

4 mins

2024 MMFF's 'Green Bones' star Dennis Trillo shares thoughts on PDLs

Dennis Trillo, one of the leads in the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry \"Green Bones,\" hinted that the film's intriguing premise revolves around the belief that \"finding green bones in a person's remains is proof of one's goodness in life.\"

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.