The Philippine Star - January 20, 2025

In this issue

January 20, 2025

Tik Tok goes dark in US, pinning hopes on Trump

Millions of TikTok users in the United States are no longer able to watch videos on the social media platform as a federal ban on the immensely popular app takes effect.

4 mins

Asean foreign ministers seek breakthrough in SCS conflicts

Southeast Asian foreign ministers gathered yesterday for their first meeting this year under the regional bloc's new chair, Malaysia, seeking a breakthrough over Myanmar's drawn-out civil war and territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

3 mins

P58/kg imported rice max SRP takes effect

The maximum suggested retail price (SRP) of P58 on imported rice takes effect today, a ranking official of the Department of Agriculture (DA) said as cost of the staple remains high despite the implementation of Executive Order 62, which lowered the tariff on imported grains to 15 percent from 35 percent.

2 mins

Phl, US Hold Joint Maritime Exercises

The Philippines and the United States carried out joint maritime exercises for the fifth time in the South China Sea, Manila's armed forces said yesterday, in a move that would likely irk China.

2 mins

Bill vs child support violators gets panel approval

A proposed bill seeking to penalize parents or irresponsible fathers who refuse to support their children's education, food, clothing, and other basic needs has passed the House committee on the welfare of children.

1 min

Most Afghans in Phl have flown out - US envoy

Nearly 200 Afghan nationals have been flown on to the United States after their special immigration visas were processed in the Philippines as part of an agreement between Manila and Washington, the US embassy in Manila said yesterday.

2 mins

Pinoy lawyer invited to Trump inaugural

Filipino lawyer Jordan Pizarras, legal counsel for American businessman Timothy Strong, will be among the few Filipinos attending the inauguration of US president-elect Donald Trump today, according to a press statement sent to The STAR.

1 min

Explain warehouse congestion, NFA urged

Former agriculture secretary Leonardo Montemayor yesterday urged the National Food Authority to disclose the real reason for the congestion in its warehouses after the NFA disclosed that at least 300,000 metric tons of aging rice needed to be disposed.

1 min

DA Files Raps Over P20.8-M Smuggled Vegetables

The Department of Agriculture (DA), through its Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), has filed a complaint against an importer amid its alleged involvement in the smuggling of P20.8 million worth of carrots and white onions at the Port of Subic.

1 min

BBM, Sara's satisfaction, trust ratings drop - survey

The satisfaction and trust ratings of both President Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte dropped in January, according to the latest survey of market research firm Tangere.

2 mins

Preparations for polls slightly off track - Comelec

The preparation for the May 2025 midterm polls is now slightly off track due to a delay in the printing of ballots, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia admitted yesterday.

2 mins

DMW: Aid Ready for Pinoys Affected by California Wildfires

The Philippine government is extending assistance to over 100 Filipinos affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles, California.

1 min

Senate Eyes Passage of Motorcycle-for-Hire Bill

The Senate is aiming to pass a motorcycle-for-hire bill before the end of the 19th Congress, to finally put in place a law that would ensure the safety of passengers who ride two-wheeled vehicles to beat the traffic.

1 min

Congress Allots P3 Billion More for Kalayaan Infrastructure

The Senate and the House of Representatives have earmarked an additional P3 billion this year to bolster the infrastructure buildup in the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) in the northeastern section of the disputed Spratly archipelago.

1 min

Senate seeks probe into SSS rate hike

The Senate is seeking an investigation on the lapses of the Social Security System in collecting payments from delinquent contributors, Sen. Grace Poe said yesterday as she filed a resolution calling for a probe on reported inefficiencies within the SSS.

1 min

Sex Education Bill Slammed Anew

A religious sect leader and lawmaker is joining calls to reconsider a bill that introduces comprehensive sex education in the Philippines, claiming that the bill \"contradicts biblical principles\" and \"betrays the Constitutional policy\" of the secular country.

1 min

TikTok

\"A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the US,\" the message said. \"Unfortunately that means you can't use TikTok for now.\"

4 mins

Most Afghans

From Page 1

1 min

Alleged NBI data breach probed

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is looking into an alleged data breach after an anonymous user from the Philippine IT Security Forum claimed to have leaked information from the NBI, officials said yesterday.

1 min

Metro crimes down 23%

The crime volume in Metro Manila dipped by at least 23 percent, the National Capital Region Police Office reported last week.

1 min

LTFRB to standardize ride-hailing discounts

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is set to issue a memorandum circular to streamline the implementation of discounts for students, persons with disabilities and senior citizens using ride-hailing platforms.

1 min

32 POGO Workers held in BI, NBI raid

Thirty-two foreign nationals were arrested when authorities raided another Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) facility in Parañaque over the weekend.

1 min

Boy, 11, grazed by stray bullet in Caloocan

An 11-year-old boy was grazed by a stray bullet in Barangay 176, North Caloocan on Saturday, police reported yesterday.

1 min

PBBM: Concerned enough

CTALK

4 mins

Risks to the Phl

SKETCHES

4 mins

Food Security Emergency

EDITORIAL

2 mins

Good luck, America

COMMONSENSE

4 mins

The punishment theory

QWERTYMAN

4 mins

The 'big brothers' helping our MSMEs

GO NEGOSYO PILIPINAS

4 mins

Composing new life music for 2025

Thoughts to guide us by

1 min

Kanlaon Spews Ash Twice Anew

Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island emitted ash twice anew yesterday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported.

1 min

Baguio City records first Mpox case

BAGUIO CITY - After the confirmation of Baguio City's first case of monkeypox or Mpox here, Mayor Benjamin Magalong raised an alert on Saturday night, advising the public to remain calm and to observe health precautions.

1 min

Lone bettor wins P10.3-M lotto 6/42 prize

A lone bettor in Baao, Camarines Sur won the P10.3 million jackpot of the Lotto 6/42 draw on Saturday, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes (PCSO) Office said.

1 min

CBCP to tackle 2025 polls in plenary assembly

The 126 members of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) will discuss the upcoming May 12 midterm elections during their 129th plenary assembly in Laguna.

1 min

Protesters storm SoKor court after president's detention extended

Supporters of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol stormed a Seoul court yesterday after a judge extended the impeached leader's detention over his ill-fated attempt to impose martial law.

1 min

Suspected Bangladeshi arrested in stabbing of Bollywood star

A man thought to be a citizen of Bangladesh was arrested in India's financial capital Mumbai yesterday and is considered the prime suspect in the stabbing of Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan, police said.

1 min

Israel: Gaza Ceasefire Begins

DEIR AL-BALAH (AP) — A long-awaited ceasefire in Gaza has begun after a nearly three-hour delay. The truce was postponed after Hamas did not name the three hostages it plans to release later on Sunday.

2 mins

Russian attacks kill 6 across Ukraine, Kyiv says

A Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian capital killed three people on Saturday, Ukrainian leaders said, branding it a \"heinous\" attack, while Moscow described it as \"retaliation.\"

1 min

Trump Arrives in Washington Ahead of Monday's Inauguration

Donald Trump landed in Washington on Saturday ahead of his inauguration, with the billionaire Republican set to attend a series of events and celebrations before reclaiming the presidency.

1 min

Swift Joined by Caitlin Clark at Travis Kelce's Game

Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce gave pop superstar Taylor Swift plenty to cheer about Saturday.

1 min

Milder winds help LA firefighters; Trump vows to visit

Lighter winds in the Los Angeles area this weekend brought momentary respite to the thousands of firefighters battling deadly wildfires, but meteorologists said stronger winds would add to \"critical fire weather\" as soon as Monday.

1 min

Djokovic marches into quarterfinal versus Alcaraz

Irrepressible 10-time champion Novak Djokovic set up a blockbuster Australian Open quarterfinal Sunday with Carlos Alcaraz after downing Czech Jiri Lehecka.

1 min

FIBERXERS ENHANCE CHANCES

In a duel of teams on opposite sides of the ladder, it's the squad battling for a playoffs incentive that prevailed against one fighting for a spot in the Last-8.

1 min

Hoey drops down to 17th

The Philippines' Rico Hoey struggled with a 74 after sizzling rounds of 65 and 63 and dropped from being a joint leader to number 17 in the US PGA Tour American Express tournament in La Quinta, California.

1 min

SW's Masters in Great Shape for Phl Open

The Masters layout of the posh Manila Southwoods complex here is coming close to achieving the tough character that will challenge some of the best in the Asian Tour when the $500,000 (around P29 million) Smart Infinity Philippine Open gets off the ground on Thursday.

1 min

Van der Valk eyes redemption at TCC Invitational

Foiled on his three-peat bid last year, Guido van der Valk is determined to redeem himself – not only at The Country Club Invitational in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, beginning Jan. 28, but throughout the entire 2025 Philippine Golf Tour season.

1 min

Mayor of the world

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch, If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you, If all men count with you, but none too much... - Rudyard Kipling, \"If\"

2 mins

DoubleDragon Boosting War Chest With P51-B Fund-Raising Initiatives

YEAR OF THE DRAGON

2 mins

Island flights transferred out of NAIA by March

More than 2 M passengers affected

2 mins

Phl to adjust borrowing strategy amid global rates uncertainties

The Philippine government is bracing for higher borrowing costs this year as global interest rates will likely remain elevated, with the US Federal Reserve expected to slow its pace of rate cuts.

1 min

Recto: PH Misses 2024 Growth Target

Spate of typhoons battered economy

2 mins

Bond vigilantes

Ahead of Trump's inauguration, there has been a recent uptick in bond yields across the world.

3 mins

Sideways trading seen as investors remain cautious

Stocks are expected to continue trading sideways this week, with a cautious atmosphere seen persisting among investors as they await for fresh leads.

1 min

New Megaworld Townships to Launch in Luzon, Visayas

Property giant Megaworld Corp. is expanding its portfolio of integrated developments outside Metro Manila with at least two more townships planned for launch this year.

1 min

Wilcon building more branches, renovating legacy stores

Home improvement and construction supplies retailer Wilcon Depot Inc. plans to put up more stores this year, while also improving some of its legacy stores to cater to its customers' evolving needs.

2 mins

Semirara Sets P6.9-B Capital Spending This Year

Semirara Mining and Power Corp. (SMPC) of tycoon Isidro Consunji is spending around P6.9 billion this year to beef up its coal fleet and fuel its power generation business.

1 min

Megawide sticking to basics

Megawide Construction Corp. will continue to concentrate on \"basic\" government infrastructure projects that will provide more benefits to the people, even as it does not see an immediate upside to tourism projects, particularly airport privatization, according to Megawide vice chairman Louie Ferrer.

4 mins

Health is wealth

It doesn't get any clearer than this: good public health promotes economic growth. Yet, investing in our people's health isn't a top concern for our leaders.

4 mins

Maynilad Pouring in Over P30 B for Capex

Maynilad Water Services Inc. is pouring in massive investments again this year as it pipelines more than P30 billion for capital expenditures.

1 min

Double Dragon

From B1

1 min

Megawide Targets Cavite BRT Partial Opening in September

Infrastructure builder Megawide Construction Corp. plans to partially open its bus rapid transit (BRT) system in Cavite by September, aiming to serve at least 10,000 passengers every day.

1 min

SHFC AT 21: BUILDING LIVES, TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES

For 21 years, the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) has been dedicated to providing safe and affordable housing to both formal and informal sectors.

4 mins

Taho Story eyes 250 branches by year-end

Filipino startup Taho Story plans to have a network of 200 to 250 branches operating nationwide by the end of the year as demand for its soybean curd with ice cream offering continues to gain traction.

1 min

Sans FTA talks, Phl-US trade remains strong, says US envoy

The United States remains interested in strengthening trade ties with the Philippines even as there are no indications yet when the two countries can resume discussions for a free trade agreement (FTA) between Manila and Washington, US Ambassador Mary Kay Carlson said.

1 min

Debt service burden rises 20% to $14.5B

The country's external debt service burden increased in the 10 months to October 2024 as foreign debt hit an all-time high of $139.64 billion in the third quarter, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said.

1 min

Over 16 GW Offshore Wind Power Seen by 2028 - DOE

The Department of Energy (DOE) is charting a bold course for offshore wind development, with a goal of unlocking over 16 gigawatts of capacity by the end of President Marcos' term.

2 mins

Finland Looks to Phl for Talent Attraction

Finland is actively encouraging Filipino workers to consider employment opportunities in the European country, citing the Philippines as one of its focus countries for talent attraction.

1 min

BEA ALONZO I BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF WAITING

BEA ALONZO JUST wrapped up her first-ever murder-mystery series, GMA 7's \"Widows' War,\" where she took on the complex role of Sam Castillo-Palacios.

3 mins

Jessy Mendiola ready to return to acting

After five years of not appearing on TV, actress Jessy Mendiola is slated to return to acting as she recently accepted the offer of ABS-CBN for a teleserye.

3 mins

Coiled in creativity for the Year of the Snake

\"Coiled in Creativity and Transformation\" opens at The Gallery @ Summit in Summit Ridge Tagaytay this Jan. 25, a month-long exhibition showcasing a diverse array of artworks inspired by the Year of the Snake, reflecting the theme of metamorphosis, growth and artistic evolution.

1 min

The Big Story That May Unite Us

and religious leaders. Slavery, taxes, revolutions, you get the picture. And the world became not only unfair, but zany, often cruel.

1 min

Polo Ravales ventures into restaurant business

Handsome Polo Ravales has been entertaining fans for more than two decades in hit TV series such as \"TGIS\" (where he and Sunshine Dizon were a loveteam) and \"Encantadia,\" and movies like \"Let The Love Begin,\" \"Blue Moon\" and \"Manay Po.\" Today, the one-time teen heartthrob is still very active in the entertainment industry.

2 mins

Back with a roar, Japanese Film Fest 2025

The Japanese Film Festival (JFF) is returning once again to Philippine theaters this February 2025.

2 mins

THE BIG STORY THAT MAY UNITE US

One of the best gifts I reO C ceived over the holiday season was this boxed set of two volumes titled Unstoppable Us, written by Yuval Noah Harari and illustrated by Ricardo Zaplana Ruiz.

5 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.