The Philippine Star - January 21, 2025

The Philippine Star - January 21, 2025

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In this issue
January 21, 2025
Trump returns to White House
Donald Trump will be sworn in for a historic second term as US president Monday, promising a new \"golden age\" for America as the world braces for a return of his unpredictable leadership.

3 mins
NBI Nabs Chinese, 2 Pinoys for Espionage
A suspected Chinese \"sleeper agent\" and his two Filipino cohorts, who have reportedly been going to vital military installations around the country, have been arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for allegedly engaging in espionage activities.
2 mins
House Urged: Act on Sara Impeachment
One of the complainants in the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte has called on the House of Representatives to uphold its constitutional responsibility and take immediate action on the matter.
1 min
BBM vows to veto 'woke' sex education bill
While maintaining the importance of teaching children about their bodies, President Marcos vowed yesterday to veto a controversial sex education bill that is currently polarizing lawmakers.
3 mins
Ex-QC mayor Bistek gets 10 years for graft
Former Quezon City mayor Herbert Bautista and his former city administrator have been sentenced to six to 10 years in prison for graft by the Sandiganbayan for an anomalous procurement of a computer system for work permits in 2019.
1 min
Duterte lying about missing amounts in budget - Marcos
President Marcos yesterday accused former president Rodrigo Duterte of lying about supposed missing amounts in the 2025 budget, in a development that further highlighted the widening political rift between their families.
3 mins
225 Arrested for Gun Ban Violations Nationwide
Two foreign nationals were among 225 people arrested for violating the nationwide gun ban, the Commission on Elections reported yesterday.
2 mins
Pump prices up by over P2 per liter today
Motorists should brace for another round of fuel price hikes today, with diesel and kerosene prices increasing by over P2 per liter.
1 min
Only 2 markets violate max SRP for imported rice
Two Metro Manila markets did not comply with the maximum suggested retail price (SRP) of P58 per kilo of imported rice after it took effect yesterday, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).
2 mins
Militants reject incoming Trump presidency
Progressive groups yesterday opposed the second presidency of Donald Trump in the United States ahead of his inauguration on Jan. 20, warning the public that he is the biggest threat to world peace, justice and democracy.

3 mins
'Typhoon missile system can defend Phl maritime interests'
The US Typhoon mid-range missile system provides the capability to help defend the Philippines' maritime interests, according to Washington's top diplomat in the country.
3 mins
BBM From Page 1
supports the teaching of sex education that focuses on the anatomy of the reproductive systems, the consequences of early pregnancy and the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus, among others.
2 mins
BBM open to 7 a.m.-4 p.m. gov't work hours
To ease traffic congestion in the National Capital Region, President Marcos is studying the proposal of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to adjust the working hours of national government offices to 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
1 min
Earthquake Jolts MM, Batangas
A magnitude 5.5 earthquake jolted Batangas and Metro Manila last night, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
1 min
6,000 seniors call for expanded social pension
At least 6,000 senior citizens are urging the Senate to pass the expanded social pension bill.
1 min
Fire hits Tondo; 2 dead
A man and his niece died after getting trapped in a fire that broke out at their house in Tondo, Manila on Sunday.
1 min
Guard in 'sampaguita girl' video appears before SOSIA
The security guard who was recorded on video kicking a girl selling sampaguita or jasmine garlands in Mandaluyong appeared before the Philippine National Police yesterday.
1 min
Marcos Mulls Term Extension for Marbil
Citing the need for leadership continuity during the midterm elections, President Marcos said yesterday he is considering extending the term of Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil.
1 min
WILLIAM BELO AND THE SPIRIT OF 100 STORE
Reaching a milestone can be both a celebration and a renewed challenge. That is what Chairman-Emeritus William T. Belo realizes about Wilcon Depot launching its 100th store in Lubao, Pampanga, on December 13, 2024, a full year ahead of its target date.
5 mins
More Than 47 Years Of Excellence
Excellence. It has been a word that Wilcon Depot, the country's leading home improvement and construction supply retailer, consistently embodies throughout its journey.
4 mins
SC: Retain Jonas Cortes in list of candidates
The Supreme Court (SC) has prevented the Commission on Elections (Comelec) from deleting the name of dismissed Mandaue City mayor Jonas Cortes, who is running for reelection, in official ballots.
1 min
Senior citizen claims half of lotto 6/42 prize
A senior citizen from Bicol region has claimed half of the P25.3-million jackpot for the Lotto 6/42 draw on Dec. 31, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) revealed.
1 min
OCD Lifts Kanlaon Cane Harvesting Suspension
BACOLOD CITY - Farmers yesterday resumed harvesting matured sugarcanes within the six-kilometer extended danger zone of Kanlaon Volcano after the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) lifted its suspension order on such activities.
2 mins
Gas
Oil prices spiked again today. It is the third week in a row that substantial increases in oil happened and there is no clear indication the spiral is about to end.
3 mins
Fiscal discipline
As Trump 2.0 begins, we can take a page from his plan to make the American government more efficient. We don't need to get someone like Elon Musk to spearhead it, but we can learn from it and apply it to our own bureaucracy, which definitely needs a lot of fixing.

3 mins
Fine-tuning
Perhaps President Marcos and Senate Deputy Minority Leader Sen. Risa Hontiveros should compare notes on Senate Bill 1979, to see if they are talking about the same measure, or if someone is spreading disinformation about the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Bill.
2 mins
The marathon sprint: The physical and mental demands of campaigning
Campaigning for public office is unlike any other endeavor. It combines the breakneck pace of a sprint with the grueling endurance of a marathon.
4 mins
Even this year is the best time ever to be alive
Around the beginning of each year, I customarily write a column about how we’ve just had the “best year ever” in the long history of humanity.
4 mins
MVP and connectivity
The business of the group of companies under Wharton-educated Manuel V. Pangilinan is connectivity.

4 mins
Gaza residents and Israelis dare to hope as ceasefire takes hold
The sounds of celebration replaced those of explosions in the Gaza Strip on Sunday as a fragile ceasefire came into effect after 470 days of war, allowing some hostages to return home to Israel, Palestinians imprisoned in Israel to be released and displaced Palestinians to search for what was left of their homes in Gaza.
1 min
Trump's Inauguration Will Be First Attended by Foreign Leaders
President-elect will welcome foreign leaders for one of the most American political traditions – the peaceful transfer of power.

1 min
Pope says Trump's planned deportations would be 'calamity'
Pope Francis said Sunday US president-elect Donald Trump's promised large-scale deportation operation of undocumented migrants would be \"a calamity.\"
1 min
As Trump Returns, Families Prepare for Mass Deportations
Parents around Nora Sanidgo's large, rectangular dining table had lunch before signing documents to make the Nicaraguan immigrant a legal guardian of their children, entrusting them to her if they are deported.

1 min
Hamas, Israel Swap Prisoners
On Day 1 of ceasefire
1 min
Yoon Shuns Questioning as Security Tightened After Court Rampage
South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol refused yesterday to be questioned by investigators under a probe into whether he committed insurrection, as dozens of his supporters faced being charged over a violent rampage on a court building.

1 min
Thailand seizes record 1.6 tons of crystal meth
Thai authorities intercepted more than one and a half tons of crystal methamphetamine in a record seizure of the illegal drug, senior narcotic officials said yesterday.

1 min
Southern California braces for gusty winds, heightened wildfire risk
Southern Californians are bracing for gusty winds and a heightened risk of wildfires, less than two weeks after the outbreak of deadly blazes that have killed at least 27 people and charred thousands of homes.

1 min
TikTok Restores Service in US, Thanking Trump
TikTok restored service in the United States on Sunday after briefly going dark, as a law banning the wildly popular app on national security grounds came into effect.

1 min
'Billionaires' wealth soared in 2024'
Billionaires' wealth grew three times faster in 2024 than the year before, a top anti-poverty group reported on Monday as some of the world's political and financial elite prepared for an annual gathering in Davos, Switzerland.

1 min
'Mufasa' claws its way back atop N. America box office
Disney's \"Mufasa: The Lion King\" topped the North American box office on a long holiday weekend after ceding the top spot a week earlier, analysts said Sunday.

1 min
Hoey winds up 15 shots off winner
Rico Hoey failed to save his campaign in The American Express as he turned in his worst round of four-over 76 Sunday to wind up tied for 58th in California.
1 min
Marcial impressed by B-League
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said yesterday he was amazed by the staging of the Japan B-League All-Star Weekend at the jam-packed, 10,000-seat Lala Arena Tokyo-Ban in Funabashi, Chiba Prefecture and picked up a lot of lessons that could be applicable locally. Marcial, PBA Board treasurer/Phoenix governor Atty. Raymond Zorrilla and SBP executive director Erika Dy witnessed the All-Star extravaganza on the B-League's invitation.
1 min
Djokovic moving on; Sinner. Swiatek advance
Novak Djokovic was at the center of another Australian Open row on Monday while Jannik Sinner needed medical attention in fierce heat to battle into the quarterfinals and Iga Swiatek won easily.
1 min
PSA to honor NCAA, Philippine Volcanoes, clouters, paddlers
A special award to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and citations to 18 personalities and entities will be handed out in the San Miguel Corporation-Philippine Sportswriters Association (SMC-PSA) Awards Night slated next week at the Centennial Hall of the Manila Hotel.
1 min
HARD WAY TO LAST EIGHT
Games today (Ynares Center, Antipolo) 5 p.m. - Blackwater vs Phoenix 7:30 p.m. - NorthPort vs San Miguel
1 min
FIVB MWCH Organizers Tap Korean Marketing
The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) has incorporated the Korean touch in world-class marketing and public relations to the country's first-time solo hosting of the FIVB Men's World Championship (MWCH) 2025 in September.
1 min
Creamline eyes win No. 5 in return from breather
Games today (PhilSports Arena) 1:30 p.m. - Galeries Tower vs Cignal / 4 p.m. - Capital1 vs Creamline / 6:30 p.m. - Petro Gazz vs Chery Tiggo
1 min
Beermen in dire straits
PBA Commissioner's Cup defending champion San Miguel Beer is in danger of not making it to the eight-team playoffs.

2 mins
PSE Further Hikes Stake in PDS
The Philippine Stock Exchange Inc. (PSE) has secured additional stake in the Philippine Dealing System Holdings Corp. (PDS) as part of efforts to acquire up to 100 percent of the holding company that owns the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. (PDEx).
2 mins
NNIC plans to limit private jets in NAIA for runway efficiency
The private operator of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is eyeing to limit general aviation at the gateway to one slot per hour to maximize its runway for commercial flights.

1 min
Citi bullish on Phl economy, banking sector
Global financial giant Citi remains optimistic about the Philippine economy, projecting robust growth and highlighting the country's strong banking sector as well as competitive advantages in outsourcing.
2 mins
Gov't collects P4.4 T in revenues
EXCEEDS 2024 TARGET
1 min
Market slips as investors await Trump inauguration
The local stock market finished slightly lower yesterday as investors stayed on the sidelines while waiting for the inauguration of US President Donald Trump.
1 min
Exporters urged to prepare for EU Green Deal
Filipino exporters must begin preparations to comply with the European Union's (EU) Green Deal requirements to remain competitive and facilitate smoother entry into global markets, according to the country's leading exporters' organization.
2 mins
Making quality inspectors irrelevant
Norman (not his real name) raised one question on my group page on Facebook: \"Will this 'brilliant idea' backfire?\" He was referring to a factory manager having productivity issues despite their workers following a takt time and a shift quota.

3 mins
DA Launches P85-M Project to Boost Egg Output
The Department of Agriculture (DA) will roll out a P85.2-million chicken layer program this year that seeks to boost egg production in the country.
1 min
IMF Sees 6.3% Growth for Phl in 2026
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts robust economic growth for the Philippines as it sees a 6.3 percent expansion for the country in 2026, settling within the government's six to eight percent target for next year.
2 mins
Citicore Eyes Higher 2025 Capex to Fund Projects
Tycoon Edgar Saavedra's Citicore Renewable Energy Corp. (CREC) is likely to boost its capital expenditure (capex) this year, setting the stage for the next wave of green projects across the country.
1 min
Countering the immigration crisis
Immigration continues to trend as a major political issue in different parts of the world.

3 mins
Exporters From B3
She said the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation will also become applicable next year.
1 min
Consunji's See Profitability for Cemex in 2-3 Years
The new leadership of Cemex Holdings Philippines (CHP) is looking at a couple more years before achieving a complete turnaround of the listed cement maker's financial performance.
1 min
Marcos Invites Tesla To Manufacture EVs In Phl
President Marcos invited Elon Musk's multinational automotive and clean energy company Tesla to manufacture electric vehicles (EVs) in the country as it moves to adopt a more environment-friendly transport system and reduce carbon emissions.
1 min
SB Corp. targets P500-M profit this year
The financing arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is looking to achieve P500 million in net operating income in 2025 after surpassing the target for 2024.
1 min
PSE From B1
income and equities. It also seeks to provide investors with a facility to trade fixed income, equities and other products in a unified marketplace.
1 min
RCBC to issue dollar bonds
Yuchengco-led Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) is returning to the offshore debt market via the issuance of benchmark-sized dollar senior unsecured sustainability bonds as part of its $4 billion medium-term note (MTN) program.
1 min
Megawide Earmarks P2B for Capex This Year
Infrastructure and engineering company Megawide Construction Corp. is allocating around P2 billion this year to bankroll various projects.

1 min
Camille Villar on Motherhood and Caring for Elders
Do children have a moral obligation to take care of their elderly parents?

3 mins
SHOWBIZ NEWCOMER DYLAN MENOR INKS DEAL WITH MVP GROUP AS ENDORSER
Noting the recent significant increase in his social media followers, newbie actor Dylan Menor shared some advice with aspiring content creators on how to improve their content.

2 mins
THE HEART AND LIGHT OF ANAKTV
GMA Network has a rich heritage of children's program that began with Uncle Bob and 'Lucky Seven' to the acclaimed 'Worrying Free Kid TV'

2 mins
A Cup of Joe explosion in Silakbo
The Christmas Season is over, but the boys of Cup of Joe are still going around with a Christmas morning look on their faces.

2 mins
Lady Marian
She's beautiful, fulfilled, devoted to her family, her craft, and to a cause greater than herself. In fact, her dream is to become a teacher.

3 mins
A taste of Dumaguete in Manila
Dumaguete City's beloved Buglas Isla Cafe opened its first branch in Arcovia in Pasig City.

2 mins
Derma-approved ways to keep your hair healthy and fab
Our hair is our crowning glory. Yet, it is often overlooked in our daily routines. It is time to elevate our hair game this year with tried and tested care habits straight from a dermatologist at Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed).

2 mins
Your gateway to a worry-free lifestyle and unmatched connectivity
Globe Platinum is setting a new benchmark for premium postpaid plans designed to empower subscribers with superior connectivity, exclusive lifestyle privileges, and best-in-class services for unrivaled everyday experiences.

1 min
METROBANK TRAVEL SIGNATURE VISA: SWIPE YOUR WAY TO YOUR DREAM DESTINATION
Dreaming of traveling but never getting to your destination? Perhaps you haven't heard of the Metrobank Travel Signature Visa card where the more you spend, the more savings you earn, and the closer you get to your dream destination.

2 mins
ACNE IS MORE THAN JUST A SKIN RASH
Acne is often dismissed as a superficial issue, a rite of passage for most parents of teenagers, or an inconvenience for adults. However, the reality is far more complex. Acne is not just a skin rash; it can have intense emotional and psychological consequences, including an increased risk of hopelessness and dejection.

5 mins
The Philippine Star Newspaper Description:
Publisher: Philstar Daily Inc.
Category: Newspaper
Language: English
Frequency: Daily
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.
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