The Philippine Star - December 19, 2024

In this issue

December 19, 2024

Mary Jane appeals to BBM for clemency

After 14 years on death row in Indonesia and being nearly executed by firing squad for drug trafficking, Mary Jane Veloso came home to the Philippines yesterday and was welcomed by the embrace of her family.

6 mins

Gibo: No holiday truce with 'Jurassic' Reds

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. has rejected the idea of implementing another holiday truce with the New People's Army (NPA) during the holiday season.

1 min

De Lima backs clemency for Veloso

In 2015, then justice secretary Leila de Lima was one of three Cabinet officials who, together with then president Benigno Aquino III, appealed to Indonesia to spare Mary Jane Veloso from execution.

2 mins

Gov't to seize POGO assets

The government will apply forfeiture laws in seizing assets of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO), as authorities rush to shut down the illegal entities before the end of the year, according to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.

2 mins

Pols not allowed to distribute cash aid - DSWD

Politicians, especially those running in next year's elections, are not allowed to distribute any form of financial aid from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the DSWD spokesperson said yesterday.

2 mins

Quad comm: Rody, Bato should face raps

After four months of hearings, officials of the quad committee of the House of Representatives recommended yesterday the filing of charges against former president Rodrigo Duterte and seven others for alleged extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during his term.

2 mins

Querubin weakens into LPA; rains to continue

Tropical Depression Querubin has weakened into a low-pressure area (LPA), but the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) yesterday said that rains will persist amid its interaction with other weather systems, particularly the shear line and northeast monsoon.

1 min

Tulfo brothers still leading in new Senate poll

Two brothers of Sen. Raffy Tulfo are still the most preferred candidates for the Senate in the latest voter preference survey by polling firm Tangere.

1 min

BBM defers signing of 2025 budget; line veto set

Amid concerns over budget cuts, President Marcos has deferred the signing of the proposed 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) to give way to \"a rigorous and comprehensive review,\" Malacañang said yesterday.

5 mins

Protocols

Mary Jane Veloso is back in the country. But she is not back in her home. There are protocols to be observed.

3 mins

Tycoons, cadavers and a cutting-edge school

EYES WIDE OPEN

3 mins

Politicized ayuda

Officials of the Department of Social Welfare and Development have clarified that politicians are not supposed to be involved in the distribution of DSWD aid programs such as the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program or AKAP and the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations or AICS.

1 min

Pagmamahal

Of course the food was good, as you'd expect from Milky Way, the iconic restaurant on Pasay Road in Makati, but this lunch the food was outdone by eight bright-eyed young performers, scholars of the Actors Company of Tanghalang Pilipino, recently named National Performing Arts Company for Theater for the period 2024-2029, under RA 11392 or the National Performing Arts Companies Act.

2 mins

A year of milestones: Reflecting on the Australia-Philippines strategic partnership

As we close the year and look forward to the holidays, it's an opportune time to reflect on the year that has passed.

3 mins

Resilience

Three seemingly incredible achievements amid domestic noise on the Dutertes and budget finagling and abroad, rising geopolitical tensions as Donald Trump prepares a swashbuckling White House comeback: 1) the Philippines is among Asia's fastest growing economies in 2024 and 2025; 2) Sofronio Vasquez III is the first Filipino and the first Asian to win the international singing competition \"The Voice USA\" Season 26 and 3) Mary Jane Veloso is finally back to her native country after 14 years of imprisonment.

3 mins

In defense of Philippine sovereignty

The common impression is that sometimes wars can be started accidentally.

3 mins

House donates to 5 charities

Donations to five charities were turned over on Tuesday by the House of Representatives to help families affected by recent calamities.

1 min

Zambian woman caught with P63-M shabu at NAIA

Shabu valued at P63 million was recovered by anti-narcotics agents from a Zambian woman who arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay on Tuesday night.

1 min

Number coding lifted on Christmas, New Year

The number coding scheme will be suspended for five days during the Yuletide season, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

1 min

2 injured in Tondo fire

Two persons were injured while 20 families were left homeless after a fire engulfed a mixed-use building in Tondo, Manila yesterday.

1 min

Two bettors split P53.5-M lotto pot

Two bettors in Parañaque and Angeles City in Pampanga will share the P53.5-million jackpot in the Super Lotto 6/49 draw on Tuesday.

1 min

Woman who sold baby for P45,000 gets life

A woman who sold her eight-month-old daughter for P45,000 to repay a debt that she incurred in online cockfighting and three others have been sentenced to life in prison by a Quezon City court.

1 min

P44.48-M fake goods seized in Makati

Counterfeit branded luxury goods estimated at P44.48 million have been seized in Makati, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) reported yesterday.

1 min

Senate tightens security amid bomb threat

Stricter security measures have been enforced at the Senate following a bomb threat issued on social media.

1 min

P300-M fund sought for bird flu vaccine

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is seeking P300 million to purchase 30 million doses of vaccines against avian influenza (AI) or bird flu to strengthen the local poultry industry's protection against the transboundary animal disease.

1 min

NEDA Board OKs P37.5-B Ilocos-Abra irrigation project

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board, chaired by President Marcos, has approved the implementation of the P37.5-billion Ilocos Norte-Ilocos Sur-Abra Irrigation Project.

1 min

Bulacan mayor, 2 others arrested over rape complaint

The mayor of Pandi, Bulacan and two other people were arrested on Tuesday in connection with a rape complaint in Caloocan City.

1 min

167 animals affected by Kanlaon eruption rescued

The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) has rescued 167 animals from within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ) of Mt. Kanlaon in the municipality of La Castellana in Negros Occidental.

1 min

Community wrestles with grief in aftermath of Wisconsin shooting

Community members in Wisconsin continued to wrestle with grief and called for change in the aftermath of a school shooting that killed a teacher and a student and wounded six others.

1 min

Insurance CEO slaying suspect charged with murder

US authorities on Tuesday charged the man suspected of gunning down a health insurance CEO in New York earlier this month with murder, including a charge of second-degree murder \"as an act of terrorism.\"

1 min

Russia detains suspect over murder of chemical weapons chief

Russia said yesterday it had detained an Uzbek man who had confessed to planting and detonating a bomb which killed a top general, Igor Kirillov, in Moscow on the instructions of Ukraine's SBU security service.

1 min

SoKor's Yoon fails to appear before corruption watchdog

SEOUL (AFP) - South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol failed to appear before the country's corruption watchdog yesterday, it said, after he was summoned for questioning over his martial law bid.

1 min

'Emilia Perez,' 'Wicked' advance in Oscars shortlists

Two musicals—\"Emilia Pérez\" and \"Wicked,\" which stars Ariana Grande (in photo)—are one step closer to an Oscar nomination.

1 min

Elasto Painters stretch win streak to three

As Rain or Shine stared disaster in the face, Andre Caracut stepped forward to lead the team's efforts to extinguish the fire.

1 min

UAAP clincher by numbers

Here's a wrap-up of Game Three of the UAAP men's basketball finals between UP and La Salle by the numbers.

1 min

Ong: Tigresses will come back stronger

A championship followed by a runner-up finish could just be the beginning for the Santo Tomas Tigresses.

1 min

BUCKS HOIST NBA CUP

GIANNIS LEADS MILWAUKEE OVER OKC IN FINALE

2 mins

PSC partnering with DPWH for infra projects

Starting today, the Philippine Sports Commission will work hand in hand with the Department of Public Works and Highways concerning the PSC's infrastructure projects.

1 min

Pagdulagan so young yet so good

National U is out to rebuild its dynasty after regaining the stronghold of UAAP women's basketball realm with a rising star at the helm.

1 min

Phl negotiating rice supply deals with Pakistan, India

The Department of Agriculture (DA) said it is in talks with the governments of Pakistan and India for rice supply deals to meet the Philippines' import requirements and create a more competitive market.

1 min

Ayala secures P3.1-B loan from ING for Phl health care

Ayala Corp., the country's oldest conglomerate, is poised to ramp up its investments in advancing healthcare growth in the Philippines after securing a social loan from Dutch financial giant ING amounting to P3.1 billion (€50 million).

1 min

Recto sees 25-bps rate cut

Agrees with market consensus

1 min

Gov't shifting borrowing mix toward domestic sources

The Department of Finance is planning to gradually shift the Philippine government's borrowing mix toward domestic sources, targeting a 90 to 10 percent split in favor of local debt over the medium term.

1 min

Market drops for 6th straight session

The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index declined by 0.5 percent or 32.63 points to close at 6,469.08.

1 min

SMDC wins big at Asia Property Awards: Henry Sy Jr., daughter honored

SM Development Corp. (SMDC) marked a historic milestone at the 19th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final, with chairman Henry Sy Jr. and vice president Jessica Bianca Sy earning prestigious accolades for their groundbreaking contributions to real estate and community development.

2 mins

First Metro finalizes FAMI sale to ATRAM

First Metro Investment Corp. (FMIC), the investment banking arm of Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank), has finalized the sale of all its shares in First Metro Asset Management Inc. (FAMI) to a consortium.

1 min

Brighter skies ahead for NAIA

Local business and tourism sectors are abuzz with optimism following a major development at the Philippines’ main gateway, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

3 mins

GoTyme targets 9M users, Tyme Group raises $250M

GoTyme Bank is aiming to sustain its growth momentum next year as it is set to launch new features, targeting to reach nine million users by the end of 2025.

2 mins

SMC named top firm desired by Filipino jobseekers

San Miguel Corp. (SMC) emerged as the top company in the country that Filipino job seekers desire to be employed in, according to a survey by online job portal Jobstreet by SEEK.

2 mins

Toyota Group exports to hit $1.21 B this year

Toyota Group expects its automotive parts export sales from the Philippines to reach $1.21 billion by the end of this year.

1 min

DTI to position PH as key global halal player

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has established an office dedicated to promoting the halal industry as it seeks to position the Philippines as a key global halal player.

1 min

EEI to raise P6 B for real estate, power projects

EEI Corp. is raising P6 billion via the issuance of preferred shares to finance its real estate and power projects.

1 min

CAAP: Upgrade regional airports via PPP

The government's airport operator has called for the acceleration of efforts to improve gateways in the region, backing the Marcos administration's push to do it with the private sector.

1 min

Argentina's economic recovery via free market policies and lessons for Phl

It's my first time to set foot in South America and I am here in a country with the first openly free marketer president in the continent, Argentina President Javier Milei.

3 mins

Cebu airport growing under Aboitiz, passenger traffic up 18%

The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) posted an 18 percent growth in passenger traffic in November, benefiting from airlines' decision to scale up flight volume in the hub.

1 min

SEC expands footprint, opens extension office in Lipa

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is providing businesses in the regions with greater access to its services with the continuing expansion of its offices.

1 min

NEDA Board OKs PH-South Korea FTA EO, 2 infra projects

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board has approved the issuance of an executive order (EO) for the implementation of the Philippines-South Korea free trade agreement (FTA).

2 mins

Security Bank inks deal with SMC Asia Car Distributor

Security Bank Corp., together with its subsidiary SB Rental, has signed a contract with SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp., which is the official importer and distributor of BMW Group products in the Philippines.

1 min

Low GDP per capita, political volatility weigh on Phl ratings - Fitch

The Philippines' sovereign rating remains constrained by structural weaknesses, including low gross domestic product (GDP) per head and governance standards that lag behind peers, Fitch Ratings said.

1 min

DOE endorses 179 power projects for impact study by NGCP

The Department of Energy (DOE) has cleared 179 power projects for system impact study (SIS) with the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) as of end-November.

1 min

Mindanao Railway Phase 3 study complete by Q1

The government expects to complete the feasibility study (FS) for Phase 3 of the Mindanao Railway Project (MRP) in the first quarter of next year, according to the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center.

1 min

Blueleaf Energy taps 2 Chinese firms

Blueleaf Energy Philippines of the Macquarie Group is looking to onboard two Chinese energy firms to advance the development of its large-scale floating solar project in Laguna.

1 min

DA firm on carabeef import ban from three Indian states

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is standing pat on its decision to ban the importation of buffalo meat from three Indian states, citing the need to protect local livestock population against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).

2 mins

Seb Pajarillo channels past heartbreak in sophomore release

Artists, regardless of their medium of expression, also explore new territory, genre- and theme-wise, to discover and offer something new.

3 mins

CESAR MONTANO REACTS TO ATONG-SUNSHINE'S ROMANCE

SINCE THE BUZZ DU JOUR IS Atong Ang's confirmation of his relationship with Sunshine Cruz, I immediately asked her ex-hubby (who happens to be my BFF), Cesar Montano for his reaction. Buboy (Cesar's nickname) and Shine's marriage has long been annulled but their bond remains intact because of their three daughters.

3 mins

THE FITNESS JOURNEY THAT MADE RICHARD AND AGA BETTER DADS

Richard Gomez and Aga Muhlach shared the life lessons they imparted to their children, who are also in the showbiz limelight.

2 mins

Voice of 'The Lion King' returns for Disney prequel

Born into poverty in apartheid-era South Africa and propelled to Hollywood heights, Lebohang Morake became the voice of Disney's classic film \"The Lion King\" with his powerful Zulu cry.

3 mins

FIRST LIFE INSURANCE CELEBRATES 65 YEARS OF BUILDING TRUST

First Life Insurance recently marked its 65th anniversary with a joyful celebration attended by esteemed guests, including First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Insurance Commissioner Reynaldo Regalado. The event highlighted the company's significant contribution to the Philippine insurance industry and its impact on Filipino families and their financial security.

1 min

CANADIAN BEEF SINAMPALUKAN? IT'S LOGICAL!

Canadian beef simmering in a Pinoy sinampalukan may sound incongruous, but it may actually be logical, considering that Canadian beef finds its way to over 55 countries worldwide, including the Philippines.

2 mins

A Bizu Kind of Christmas

Bizu raises a toast to the season with a show-stopping line-up of crowd favorites.

1 min

Jollibee Brings the Pasko-est Holiday Season Nationwide

Jollibee is going all-out in spreading Christmas cheer across the Philippines by transforming select branches into \"Joyful Christmas Stores.\"

1 min

NOSTALGIC MUSIC WITH GOOD FOOD AT THE PEN

\"ILLIE: The Christmas Concert at The Pen ushers in, for me, the real feeling that Christmas is here! It became an annual tradition when my dad was still around.

2 mins

DOES JABRONI'S NYC PIZZA REMIND YOU OF 'HOME ALONE'

I have just found my universe. In a slice of pizza.

1 min

OYSTERS AND MOULES AT CARMELO'S STEAKHOUSE: WELL DONE

What would a person who doesn't eat meat enjoy in a steakhouse? In my past life, I was a steak lover, with filet mignon, dripping with the luscious taste of bacon around it, as my favorite.

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.