CATEGORIES

Brace for impact

Much has been said already about the 2025 budget, touted as the crookedest of all, but one glaring implication I'd like to stress is that it would set our country back, by at least a decade and possibly generations.

Policing Phl borders

Years ago, Edgar Matobato was dismissed as a perjured witness and polluted source by then senator Panfilo Lacson, who headed a Senate committee that investigated alleged extrajudicial killings committed by a so-called Davao Death Squad when Rodrigo Duterte was the city mayor.

NBI Finalizing Report on VP's Death Threats vs BBM

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is set to finalize this week its probe on Vice President Sara Duterte's issuing death threats against President Marcos and submit its report to the Department of Justice (DOJ) by Jan. 15.

Koko joins calls to immediately suspend SSS contribution hike

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino \"Koko\" Pimentel III joined the call to immediately suspend the hike in contributions to the Social Security System (SSS) that have taken effect starting Jan. 1, 2025.

Expect at least P1 fuel price hike

Motorists should brace for a fuel price increase of at least P1 today, marking the first hike this year.

DSWD's AICS gets addt'l P9.5 B this year

Legislators have infused an additional P9.5 billion into the line item funding the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation or AICS program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), The STAR has learned.

Small fishers picket DA over commercial fishing in municipal waters

Small fishers belonging to the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA) yesterday picketed in front of the Department of Agriculture to denounce the ruling allowing commercial fishing vessels to operate within the 15-kilometer municipal waters.

DA to impose 'maximum SRP' on imported rice

The Department of Agriculture (DA) will implement a maximum suggested retail price (SRP) on imported rice, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced yesterday.

Pagasa sees cooler weather this month

Expect cooler weather in the country this January as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) yesterday said the temperature in Baguio City further dropped to 14.4 degrees Celsius.

Gun ban starts Jan. 12 as campaign period begins

A nationwide gun ban, coinciding with the start of the official campaign period for the May 2025 midterm elections, will take effect on Sunday, Jan. 12, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced yesterday.

Phl fishers urged: Ignore China 'monster'

Filipino fishermen should continue their activities in the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) as Philippine naval and air assets are keeping a close watch on the China Coast Guard's \"monster ship,\" which was sighted near Lubang Island in Occidental Mindoro yesterday.

Mall bettor wins P314-M lotto jackpot

A lone bettor in Mandaluyong won the P314.5-million Ultra Lotto 6/58 jackpot at the lotto draws on Sunday night.

Phl health care costs to rise 18% this year

Medical costs in the Philippines are expected to post a double-digit increase this year, the second highest in the Asia-Pacific, according to a survey conducted by global advisory, broking and solutions company WTW

300 Afghans Arrive in Phl for US Visa Processing

Three hundred Afghan nationals arrived yesterday in the Philippines to await the processing within 59 days of their Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) to the United States.

Davao Death Squad Hitman Leaves Phl Using Fake Identity

After a decade in hiding, self-confessed hitman and member of the infamous Davao Death Squad (DDS) Edgar Matobato was able to leave the Philippines using a fake identity and travel documents, according to a New York Times report.

NGCP Marks Fruitful 2024, Eyes Completion of Key Projects Soon

Several milestones marked NGCP's achievements in 2024, following the completion of four major grid projects that have significantly bolstered the reliability of the country's grid infrastructure.

WORLD-CLASS HOSPITAL CARE GOES TO THE BARRIOS

A nation that cannot take care of its own would be no better than a failed state.

SUSTAINED EXCELLENCE: Iloilo City finishes strong in 2024 with achievements, awards

As 2024 draws to a close, Iloilo City stands tall, capping off the year with remarkable achievements and awards, evidencing its sustained progress and excellence.

PCG challenges China ‘monster ship' seen near Zambales

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) challenged the largest ship of the China Coast Guard (CCG), which was spotted 54 nautical miles off Capones Island, Zambales on Saturday.

Suspension of higher SSS contributions sought

Private school teachers are calling for the immediate suspension of the hikes for Social Security System (SSS) contributions this year, expressing worries about \"further erosion of already insufficient take-home pay.\"

Admirable Fresh Poetry

First collections of poetry naturally serve as early indications of literary worth, often beyond promise.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, WE ARE FLOATING IN SPACE...

\"A radiant explosion of a novel.\" -JAMIE QUATRO ORBITAL A NOVEL SAMANTHA HARVEY

Silverlens Presents Pacita and Pio Abad at S.E.A. Focus 2025

For its first art fair of 2025, Silverlens is pleased to return to S.E.A. Focus with a duo presentation of Filipino diaspora artists Pacita Abad and nephew Pio Abad, marking the first time they are presented together in Singapore.

RJ Jacinto and his guitar gizmos

Ramon Jacinto has thoroughly mastered the guitar.

Art SG returns for 'Visionary' 3rd run

Art SG, the leading international art fair for Singapore and Southeast Asia, announces its third edition in Singapore from Jan. 17 to 19, 2025 (VIP Preview and Vernissage on Jan. 16, 2025), featuring an exceptional lineup of exhibitors from numerous countries and territories.

NET25's Banner Year Ends With Star-Studded Countdown

Last Tuesday, Dec. 31, the excitement was palpable in the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan, as thousands of eager spectators gathered for NET25's annual New Year's Eve Countdown, which was set to begin at 9 p.m. that night.

Sparkle artists Antonio, Bruce, Raheel grateful for 'Mga Batang Riles' project

Antonio Vinzon, Bruce Roeland, and Raheel Bhyria, all promising Kapuso talents, are also headlining the drama-action series, \"Mga Batang Riles.\"

Shamelessly fooling us

We have been shamelessly betrayed by our officials, from BBM to our elected leaders in Congress in the enactment of the 2025 national budget.

BSP Bullish on Economic Growth This Year

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is optimistic about the country's growth prospects this year, driven by lower inflation, strong domestic spending, lower borrowing costs and a resilient banking system.

2024 Review: Unwrapping the Christmas haul

The holidays are over. It's time to pack up the Christmas tree, bundle up your gifts and see which treasures are truly worth keeping.