The Philippine Star - February 02, 2025

In this issue

February 02, 2025

Villar welcomes passage of bill on protection of wetland park

Sen. Cynthia Villar has welcomed the passage on third and final reading of a bill seeking better protection for the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP), an internationally recognized “Wetland of International Importance” and the only remaining viable wetland ecosystem in Metro Manila.

1 min

China vessel warned: Keep distance from Phl fishers

As the China Coast Guard (CCG) approaches its second month of trespassing in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) warned the former's ship to stay away from Filipino fisherfolk sailing and fishing in the area.

1 min

Gov't urged: Beef up intel vs China spies

The Philippines should brace for the worst and expect more intense espionage activities by Chinese spies amid an escalating conflict with China over the West Philippine Sea, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian warned yesterday.

2 mins

Comelec seeks more spacious, comfortable polling places

To provide the public, especially the vulnerable sectors, with ease of voting, the Commission on Elections is looking at transferring polling places to more spacious and comfortable venues.

4 mins

DA Taking Steps to Prevent Egg Shortage, Price Surge

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is implementing urgent measures to prevent a possible egg shortage and price surge in the country as the global bird flu crisis threatens poultry supply chains.

1 min

Marcos Reorganizes Regional Dev't Bodies

President Marcos has reorganized the Regional Development Councils (RDCs) to increase their roles in local governance, particularly in funding priority regional programs as part of the administration's efforts to accelerate socioeconomic development in the regions.

1 min

Villar

Senate Bill 1536 or the LPPWP Protection Act last Monday. The bill seeks a three-kilometer seaward expansion of the wetland from its current shoreline boundary to ensure that the ecological integrity of both its land and water is well-preserved, managed and protected from the impact of urbanization, Villar said.

1 min

Marcos

President Marcos highlights the Philippine Development Plan (2023-2028), emphasizing regional development and government streamlining for social and economic transformation.

1 min

PhilHealth rewards system pushed in Senate

Sen. Loren Legarda has filed a bill seeking to implement a reward system for long-time contributors of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp.

1 min

LPG prices to increase this month

Households should expect higher costs of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) this month, following a rollback at the start of the year.

1 min

Rody on PDP-Laban bets: We will win

Despite poor survey results, former president Rodrigo Duterte remains confident that the senatorial candidates under the PDP-Laban have a fighting chance in the upcoming midterm elections.

1 min

House bill won't extend, but fix b'gay, SK terms

A measure recently passed on second reading by the House of Representatives was meant to set a fixed six-year term for barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials to make them more efficient and not to postpone the elections, a House leader clarified yesterday.

2 mins

Batasan vigil being set to push for VP impeachment

The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) yesterday asked its members to prepare for a vigil anytime in front of the Batasan complex in Quezon City to push for the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.

1 min

House mourns passing of Rep. Lagman

Both the majority and minority bloc in the House of Representatives mourned the passing of Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, whom House Speaker Martin Romualdez described as a \"fearless, passionate and sharp\" lawmaker that has served Congress for several decades.

2 mins

Pagasa Predicts Only One Storm This Month

The country may see a typhoon entering its area of responsibility this month, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

1 min

FPJ Panday Bayanihan party-list continues upward trend

FPJ Panday Bayanihan party-list has reaffirmed its growing influence and public trust, emerging as one of the top choices in the recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey.

1 min

Setbacks

EYES WIDE OPEN

3 mins

We are committed to help Filipinos within legal parameters

As usual, there are those unscrupulous, opportunistic people engaged in the law profession who are coming forward pretending to be do-gooders but in reality are just trying to take advantage of the situation to promote themselves or their \"legal\" business – capitalizing on the \"fear factor\" that people are experiencing.

3 mins

Regulating campaign finance

EDITORIAL

1 min

The Third Force

In the past week, the news was dominated by events that were linked to politics.

3 mins

The impossible dream

BEST PRACTICES

4 mins

France to host the 'Summit for Action on AI' on Feb. 10-11

DIPLOMATIC POUCH

3 mins

The February 2025 priority dates

IMMIGRATION CORNER

1 min

Ex-PNP general in shabu mess cries 'miscarriage of justice'

A police general wanted for alleged irregularities in the seizure of P6.7 billion worth of shabu in Tondo, Manila in 2022 broke his silence, warning that police officers who are actually involved in the anomalous operation are working to regain their freedom with the assistance of ranking government officials.

2 mins

Graduating beneficiaries of 4Ps to get continued support

Graduating members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) will continue to receive assistance from the government to prevent them from sliding back to poverty, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian said.

1 min

Doctors Hoping for Justice in Dengvaxia Case Review

Doctors who were dragged into the Dengvaxia cases are hoping to get justice through the ongoing evaluation conducted by the Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding the remaining Dengvaxia cases.

1 min

Road Crash Fatalities Up 35% in 2024 - HPG

The number of people killed in road crashes increased by at least 35 percent last year, a majority of which were caused by reckless motorists.

1 min

3 Killed in Cotabato Ambush

Three people, including two minors, were killed in an ambush by unidentified gunmen in Carmen town in Cotabato yesterday morning.

1 min

Laguna's Majayjay Church named minor basilica

Pope Francis has designated the St. Gregory the Great Parish in Majayjay town in Laguna as a minor basilica.

1 min

20 Rizal Cops Cited for Safe Rescue of Hostage Victim

Twenty members of the Rizal police have been commended for safely rescuing a baby girl taken hostage by her own father in Taytay town on Tuesday.

1 min

Kanlaon evacuees' health care boosted

Following the death of two baby evacuees in the past two months, more health care personnel will be deployed in evacuation centers in La Castellana, Negros Occidental to prevent the spread of diseases, according to the provincial government.

1 min

US moving migrants to Guantanamo within 30 days - US exec

The United States will \"hopefully\" start moving migrants to a detention facility in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, within 30 days, The Washington Post reported on Friday, citing House border czar Tom Homan.

1 min

Trump to Hit Canada, Mexico, China With Tariffs

US President Donald Trump is set to unveil fresh tariffs Saturday on major trading partners Canada, Mexico and China, threatening upheaval across supply chains from energy to autos and raising inflation concerns.

1 min

Rubio Visits Panama as Trump Threatens to Take Canal

Marco Rubio headed to Panama yesterday in his debut trip abroad as US secretary of state as he looks for how to follow up on President Donald Trump's extraordinary threat to seize the Panama Canal.

1 min

Medevac Plane Crashes in Philadelphia, Setting Homes Ablaze

PHILADELPHIA (AP)—A medical transport jet transporting a child who had just completed treatment for a life-threatening condition, her mother, and four others crashed into a Philadelphia neighborhood shortly after takeoff on Friday evening, exploding in a fireball that engulfed several homes.

1 min

South Korea's Language Museum Catches Fire

A museum in South Korea which showcases the history of the Korean alphabet caught fire yesterday, producing dramatic plumes, officials said.

1 min

TikTok star Khaby Lame appointed UNICEF goodwill ambassador

Khaby Lame (in photo), the Senegal-born world's most popular TikTok personality who never says a word in videos watched by millions of followers, addressed the youth in his native country on Friday when he was appointed as UNICEF goodwill ambassador.

1 min

'Emilia Pérez' star Karla Sofía Gascón deactivates X account

Karla Sofía Gascón, the Oscar-nominated trans actor and star of the movie \"Emilia Pérez,\" is apologizing for her old posts on social media that denigrated Islam and that called George Floyd “a drug addict and a hustler.”

1 min

Rihanna attends trial of partner A$AP Rocky

In a stretch of questioning crucial to the defense of A$AP Rocky, his lawyer on Friday challenged the account of his accuser, who said he suffered a hand injury when the hip-hop performer fired a gun at him in 2021.

1 min

Hamas Frees 3 Israeli Hostages in 4th Truce Swap

Hamas yesterday released three Israeli hostages in the fourth exchange of the ceasefire deal, ahead of the expected release of 183 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.

1 min

Taiwan bans government agencies from using DeepSeek

Taiwan has banned workers in the public sector and at key infrastructure facilities from using DeepSeek, saying it was a Chinese product and could endanger national security.

1 min

US restricts helicopter flights after Washington crash

US authorities restricted helicopter flights near Reagan Washington National Airport on Friday, after a midair collision between an American Airlines passenger jet and a military helicopter killed 67 people this week.

1 min

Clash of imports in Antipolo

The playoff for No. 8 between Magnolia and NLEX at the Ynares Center Antipolo tonight won’t be only about two teams battling to advance to the quarterfinals but also about two similarly built imports with something to prove in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

1 min

Spurs, Wemby Catch Fire vs. Bucks

Victor Wembanyama scored 30 points as the San Antonio Spurs produced their highest-scoring game of the season in a 144-118 blowout against the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday.

1 min

Kim keeps Korda at Bay

A Lim Kim made enough birdies in an up-and-down second round to maintain a cushion between herself and top-ranked Nelly Korda on Friday at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, the LGPA Tour season opener.

1 min

Always count on SBG

Column Name

2 mins

WIN OR GO HOME FOR NLEX, MAGNOLIA

Not too long ago, both NLEX and Magnolia seemed like a lost cause with fumbling 3-starts.

1 min

Akari shines bright against Capital1

Akari fended off Capital1's serious third-set challenge and hacked out a 25-9, 25-17, 26-24 victory yesterday to stay in the middle of the pack in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena.

1 min

Phl auto parts makers seek local content mandate

Local automotive parts manufacturers are urging the government to adopt a local content requirement (LCR) policy, inspired by Indonesia's successful model, as well as other forms of support to revive the country's struggling automotive industry.

3 mins

Cebu Pacific eyes 30M passengers

Low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific is confident of reaching the 30-million mark for passengers flown this year, seeing growth opportunities in its decision to expand flight coverage from the regions.

1 min

Rate cuts have limited impact on credit growth

While raising interest rates effectively tightens credit conditions and slows economic activity, lowering rates does not necessarily boost lending, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Research Academy.

2 mins

Gov't Urged to Promote Competition in Free TV

The government should consider facilitating the entry of new players, clarify the regulatory oversight on blocktiming, as well as support policies to expand consumer choice to promote a competitive television industry, according to a study published by the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC).

2 mins

Low-Gl rice varieties for diabetics

With diabetes rising as the fourth leading cause of death in the Philippines, PhilRice food scientists are exploring rice varieties better suited for people with the medical condition. They are investigating rice with low glycemic indexes (GI) to help manage blood sugar levels.

1 min

How PLDT-Smart digital program empowered farming venture of former employee

In 2011, former corporate employee Wilmar Ompoc from Bukidnon decided to make farming his source of livelihood, developing a piece of land from his in-laws.

1 min

Harvest to salvage thin red onion stocks

The country's current onion stocks are projected to last until this week but harvest is expected to begin soon that would lift nationwide supplies to tide over the first quarter.

2 mins

Unnecessary delay

Last November, our government announced that it is delaying any further sugar importation plans until mid-2025, as agreed upon in a meeting between Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) administrator Pablo Luis Azcona.

4 mins

The more problems a leader has

A prayer offers this profound reminder: \"Lord, I do not pray for fewer problems, but I ask for wisdom and strength to handle them.\"

3 mins

New FINEX chief calls for positive change through finance

Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX)'s new president EJ Qua Hiansen has called on his fellow leaders to promote positive change for society through finance.

2 mins

IPC Marks 25 Years as PH's Top Truck Brand

Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC) achieved a milestone in 2024, marking 25 consecutive years as the country's leading truck brand.

1 min

Citicore Executes Share Block Sale for Indonesian Firm Entry

Citicore Power Inc. has completed its block sale of 153.74 million common shares in Citicore Renewable Energy Corp. (CREC), paving the way for the entry of Indonesian power firm Pertamina.

1 min

Bakery Fair 2025: Where tradition meets innovation

As families unite over the golden sweetness of tikoy to celebrate the Chinese New Year, the Filipino Chinese Bakery Association Inc. (FCBAI) is set to hold the Bakery Fair 2025 from March 6 to 8 at the World Trade Center Manila.

1 min

GSIS, PGEA Create Speakers' Bureau to Fight Fake News

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and the Philippine Government Employees Association (PGEA) will soon roll out a joint Speakers' Bureau to enhance member education of their GSIS benefits and serve as a platform to address GSIS members' concerns, while actively fighting 'fake news.'

1 min

Leading charge toward digitally inclusive Phl

ARTA DIRECTOR GENERAL ERNESTO PEREZ:

2 mins

JTI Philippines Names New GM

JTI Philippines recently announced the appointment of Guilherme Silva as the company's new general manager, returning to the country where he was marketing director in 2011.

1 min

Rustan's: Your Ultimate Valentine's Day Shopping Partner

The season of love is afoot. It's time to think of what Valentine's gift to get for your special someone; or yourself (why not?).

3 mins

MANDATORY MILITARY TRAINING AND HALCYON TIMES

For those who grew up or into swooning over K-pop idols, the idea of seeing them trade glitter for camouflage is both jarring and fascinating. But what exactly does military service mean for Koreans and us in the Philippines?

3 mins

Advice to beauty queen hopefuls

It's beauty pageant season, and I have the opportunity to advise a prospective applicant at a crucial crossroads: she can either pursue her long-held dream of entering the pageant or continue with her current job, which has provided her with valuable experience and promises a bright future.

2 mins

Chef Hirotoshi Ogawa Will Tell You Everything About Sushi

Aspiring sushi chefs in the country will have the opportunity to refine their craft through the World Sushi Skills Institute Seminar 2025 which is slated from Feb. 5 to 7 at Enderun College.

2 mins

Mandatory Military Training and Halcyon Times

A recent trip abroad showed contrasting approaches to military presence in society, from armed US soldiers in Manhattan to unarmed conscripts in Seoul and Japan's baton-carrying jail guards. This highlights that firepower isn't the only measure of strength.

1 min

BUON GIORNO! STYLE IN MOTION

The story of the Giorno began in 1992 when Honda introduced the Giorno Crea.

2 mins

HILDA KORONEL RECLAIMS THE SPOTLIGHT WITH 'SISA'

Hilda Koronel has always been perceived by some people as aloof while others deem her intimidating.

3 mins

Amiel Sol: A new name in the charts

At last, a new name in the hit list. Now, I am always happy to see the names of Dionela, Arthur Nery, Cup of Joe, Nobita and that oh-so-durable Up Dharma Down in the charts.

2 mins

Ruru Madrid thrives on work expectations

Headlining any project comes with expectations, especially when its debut season is a success.

3 mins

Lucky Chinatown's "Countdown to Prosperity" Draws Thousands for a Star-Studded Chinese New Year Celebration

Lucky Chinatown ushered in the Year of the Snake with a spectacular \"Countdown to Prosperity\" concert that drew thousands of enthusiastic attendees to the mall atrium for a night of music and celebration headlined by star Rico Blanco.

1 min

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