The Philippine Star - February 03, 2025

In this issue

February 03, 2025

Comelec Formalizes Ban on Ayuda Distribution

The ban on the distribution of financial aid and other forms of ayuda 10 days before election day has been formalized.

1 min

After Zambales, PCG Detects 2 Chinese Ships Near Pangasinan

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has detected two China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels approximately 34 nautical miles off the coast of Pangasinan, raising concerns over the continued presence of foreign vessels within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

1 min

House invites social media users to fake news probe

At least 40 personalities from several platforms in social media have been invited by the House of Representatives as it starts its investigation tomorrow on the spread of fake news and disinformation in the country.

2 mins

VP Sara Reaffirms Presidential Run in 2028

Vice President Sara Duterte said the Philippines' position behind Southeast Asian nations and the rest of the world was what pushed her to \"seriously consider\" running for president in 2028.

1 min

What egg shortage? Producers see glut

Egg producers allayed fears of a possible shortage of egg supply, saying oversupply is even expected as production this year will exceed the total output in 2024.

3 mins

Female pilot dies in Nueva Ecija helicopter crash

A female pilot died after her helicopter crashed into a creek in Barangay San Miguel, Guimba town in Nueva Ecija on Saturday afternoon.

1 min

Pick Comelec Commissioners From Opposition Groups

To restore people's confidence in the Commission on Elections (Comelec), President Marcos was asked yesterday to appoint two new poll commissioners from the opposition.

1 min

DICT, DOST warn public vs AI chatbots

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and Department of Science and Technology (DOST) are urging Filipino cyber geeks and netizens to be wary of engaging with artificial intelligence chatbots, following worldwide disruption caused by a Chinese AI startup.

2 mins

Cooler weather to resume tomorrow

Cooler temperature is expected to resume in Luzon including Metro Manila tomorrow after the northeast monsoon weakened in the past days, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

1 min

PNP: No political agenda in 'Revitalized Katok'

Firearm regulation operations are not enforced for political agendas or voter intimidation ahead of this year's elections, according to the Philippine National Police.

1 min

Study legality of food security emergency - group

Farmers' group Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) yesterday asked the Department of Agriculture (DA) to fully study the legality of the food security emergency amid its impending declaration.

2 mins

BI: Chinese 'spies' lived in Phl for decades

The alleged foreign spies recently captured by authorities have lived in the Philippines for decades and have embedded themselves in society, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said yesterday.

1 min

PWD discounts cannot be denied

Having doubts on the validity of a person-with-disability (PWD) identification card is not an excuse for an establishment or agency to deny the person of availing of discounts.

1 min

Gatchalian: Wage setting best left to tripartite boards

With the House of Representatives approving a proposed P200 across-the-board wage hike, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian expressed concerns about balancing wage increases with economic stability.

1 min

319 Appointees Await Confirmation Before Congress Break

Philippine Space Agency director general Joel Joseph Marciano Jr. leads the list of 319 presidential appointees awaiting confirmation by the Commission on Appointments before Congress adjourns later this week.

1 min

Phl Lauded for Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Action

The Philippines' leadership in disaster risk reduction and climate action was recognized in a regional meeting of Asian Disaster Preparedness Center.

1 min

Legal basis of comprehensive sex education questioned

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian has raised concerns over the constitutionality of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), arguing that it lacks a clear legal basis.

1 min

IPOPHL gains access to Indian traditional medicine library

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has gained access to the Indian digital library of traditional medicine systems, with the conclusion of the requisite agreement between the two countries this month.

1 min

DPWH Invites Bidders for P5.48-B Boracay Bridge Project

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has formally started the Swiss challenge process for the P5.48-billion unsolicited proposal of conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) to build a bridge linking Boracay to the Panay mainland in Malay, Aklan.

2 mins

Bishops' stand on commercial fishing ruling welcomed

Former agriculture secretary Leonardo Montemayor yesterday welcomed the support of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), after at least 48 bishops expressed opposition to the decision of the Supreme Court (SC) allowing commercial fishing vessels access to municipal waters, previously reserved for small-scale fishers under the Fisheries Code.

1 min

2 Pinay Trafficking Victims Intercepted at NAIA

Two Filipino women almost became new additions to human trafficking statistics overseas.

1 min

Don't vent on socmed, ex-PNP general told

Retired police Brig. Gen. Narciso Domingo should avail himself of legal remedies instead of airing on social media his grievances against the Department of Justice (DOJ), according to Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon.

1 min

Remulla: Drug, psych tests for cops still mandatory

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla has denied scrapping the mandatory drug and neuropsychological testing for active members of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

1 min

Remains of cop in Washington crash to be repatriated

The Philippine National Police is working with authorities to repatriate the remains of Col. Pergentino Malabed Jr., one of the fatalities in a mid-air collision involving a commercial aircraft and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter in Washington last week, a PNP official said yesterday.

1 min

Undefined crimes

SKETCHES

4 mins

From 'wag the dog' to conspiracy theories

CTALK

4 mins

They've flown the coop

Relatives of several cockfight aficionados or sabungeros missing since 2022 should hope that six suspects in the enforced disappearance are still in the country.

2 mins

A relentless questioner

QWERTYMAN

4 mins

'We're watching you' - Uy

COMMONSENSE

4 mins

Putting women entrepreneurs on the regional agenda

Perhaps it is my good fortune to be constantly surrounded by exceptional women.

4 mins

Trump's actions receive mixed reviews

World view

1 min

Move to Make Marilaque Highway Safer Launched

Following the fatal motorcycle stunt along Marilaque Highway in Tanay, Rizal, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday launched a campaign to make the road safe again for motorists.

1 min

Kanlaon Volcano Spews Ash Anew

Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island spewed ash again yesterday, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

1 min

Sibugay Hosts World Wetland Day 2025

The Sibugay Wetland Nature Reserve (SWNR) in this province was chosen by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as a venue for the observance of World Wetland Day 2025 yesterday.

1 min

Gov't, MILF Vow to Fulfill Peace Commitments

The government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have vowed to fulfill their commitments under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro signed in 2014, which created the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

1 min

12-Story School Building to Rise in Cebu

The Department of Education has started the construction of a medium-rise public school building in Cebu.

1 min

King Charles teams up with Amazon for documentary

Britain's King Charles III (in photo) is to feature in a new Amazon documentary, in which he is expected to highlight his environmental charity work and \"philosophy of harmony,\" the Press Association reported on Saturday.

1 min

Is it Beyoncé's time? Music's A-listers ready for Grammys

Music's elite are congregating in Los Angeles for today's Grammy awards, and Beyoncé's name is on the tip of everyone's tongue: will Recording Academy voters finally give the megastar her due?

1 min

Trump slaps tariffs on Canada, Mexico, China

Spurring Trade War

1 min

Data from US plane collision show conflicting altitude readings

Preliminary data from the deadliest US aviation accident in nearly 25 years showed conflicting readings about the altitudes of an airliner and Army helicopter when they collided near Reagan National Airport in Washington, killing everyone aboard both aircraft, investigators said Saturday.

1 min

Residents near Japan sinkhole urged to evacuate

Five households in the immediate vicinity of a massive, ever-widening sinkhole near Tokyo were urged to evacuate yesterday, with efforts to rescue a man stuck inside reportedly halted.

1 min

Netanyahu Heads to US to Discuss 'Victory Over Hamas'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday he will discuss \"victory over Hamas,\" countering Iran and expanding diplomatic relations with Arab countries in his meeting with US President Donald Trump.

1 min

HOTSHOTS ROLL INTO LAST 8

Sustaining the momentum from their hat trick of wins to end the eliminations, the Hotshots outdueled NLEX in the KO for eighth spot, 112-81, to complete the Final-8 cast last night at the Ynares Center here.

1 min

Tennis gab features ASICS Gel Resolution X

There's more to it here than just the inaugural Singapore Open featuring some of the world's best tennis players.

1 min

Shocking deal sends Luka to LA, Davis to Dallas

The Dallas Mavericks are sending star guard Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for big man Anthony Davis in a stunning three-team NBA trade reported Saturday by ESPN.

1 min

Live audience optional

Do we really still need live audiences for sporting events, particularly basketball?

2 mins

Benavidez Dominates Morrell

David Benavidez unified the light heavyweight championship by earning a unanimous decision over challenger David Morrell on Saturday night to keep his interim WBC belt and win the WBA title.

1 min

Inflation forecasts mixed for January

Inflation likely hovered between 2.6 and three percent last month, a poll of leading economists showed, although most expected it to edge lower, providing relief to consumers after three consecutive months of increase in the consumer price index (CPI).

3 mins

NTA backs moratorium on higher tobacco excise taxes

The National Tobacco Administration (NTA) is supporting a moratorium on tobacco excise tax hikes to curb illicit tobacco trade in the country.

3 mins

‘Hot money’ reverts to $2.1-B net inflow in 2024

A total of $2.1 billion worth of speculative funds entered the Philippines last year, reversing the $247.3 million net outflow recorded in 2023, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said.

1 min

BSP signals rate, reserve cuts in 2025

BAGUIO CITY - The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is likely to implement two 25-basis-point cuts - one in each semester - this year, the BSP chief said.

2 mins

DeepSeek Sparks Global Tech Selloff

Last week, a Chinese AI company called DeepSeek sparked a massive selloff in global tech stocks.

3 mins

Stocks Look to Bounce Back From 2-Year Low

Investors will seek direction from upcoming economic data as the local stock market hopes to exit from a recent slump that has led to its lowest level in a little over two years.

1 min

SteelAsia Ships Record P1-B Exports to Canada

SteelAsia Manufacturing Corp., the country's flagship steel company, shipped out over P1.1 billion worth of products to Canada last week, marking the Philippines' largest steel export to date.

1 min

ICCP: 6 Target IPOs in 2025 Achievable

The country's initial public offering (IPO) scene is poised for a major recovery this year after a lackluster showing last year, with six public listings potentially happening over the next 12 months, according to investment house Investment & Capital Corp. of the Philippines (ICCP).

2 mins

It Was a Good Year

It was indeed a good year for both Toyota Motor Philippines and JTI Philippines as they celebrated with the media in separate parties last Friday to mark their success in 2024.

2 mins

Food, health and education

President BBM should be worried by now about his failure to deliver the most important basic needs of food, health, and education.

4 mins

Auto Sales Seen to Zoom Past 500k Units This Year

Vehicle sales in the Philippines may hit a record-high of over 500,000 units this year, driven by a favorable macroeconomic outlook, according to leading automotive firm Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP).

1 min

Marcos Highlights Private Sector Role in Job Creation

President Marcos underscored the vital role of collaboration between the government and the private sector in generating employment as he commended the SM Group for its contributions to job creation and workforce development.

1 min

Business Snippets

JTI welcomes new executives

2 mins

Cruise tourists seen exceeding 185,000

Philippine cruise tourism is projected to have its biggest year since the pandemic, as arrivals are expected to surpass 185,000 in 2025 due to the development of new ports and entry of more vessels.

1 min

Trade reform advocates feted on Int'l Customs Day

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) celebrated International Customs Day by recognizing industry leaders and stakeholders advancing trade facilitation and customs modernization.

1 min

TANAW COLLECTIVE ON SISTERHOOD, FAITH AND THE POWER OF MUSIC

AHEAD OF THEIR UPCOMING concert, Filipina alt-rock icons Acel Bisa, Aia de Leon, Barbie Almalbis, Hannah Romawac, Kitchie Nadal and Lougee Basabas have formed the supergroup, Tanaw Collective, to pay homage to the \"power of women-led collaborations.\"

4 mins

Reconnecting and reminiscing with old friends

After residing in the USA for more than 20 years, my dear friend Joey Mesina flew home to Manila right after the new year began for a brief visit.

3 mins

Renée Zellweger feels right at home as Bridget Jones again

Two-time Academy Award winner Renée Zellweger describes stepping back into the role of Bridget Jones as a homecoming.

1 min

BRINGING THE ART DIASPORA BACK HOME (THROUGH A NENA SAGUIL LENS)

Filipino artist Nena Saguil had a comfortable life in Manila. But she chose to live in Paris, in a small apartment, continuing her artistic journey there until she died, blind, in 1994.

3 mins

Rhen Escaño takes pride in her acting projects

Rhen Escaño started her acting career 16 years ago when she appeared in director Soxy Topacio's \"Ded na si Lolo.\"

3 mins

CRAZY, RICH, FUN AND ASIAN AT ART SG

New kid on the art block Singapore pulled off a crazy, rich, fun and Asian art week this January capped by Art SG, touted to be the biggest art fair in the region.

5 mins

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