The Philippine Star - February 05, 2025

In this issue

February 05, 2025

CA defers Phl space chief's appointment

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) chief's appointment has been deferred amid concerns over his qualifications and the agency's handling of climate data for disaster management.

1 min

New PhilHealth chief named

US-trained surgeon takes over embattled state insurer

5 mins

Phl jets, US bombers jointly patrol Panatag

Two US Air Force B-1 bombers joined three Philippine FA-50 fighter jets in air patrol and intercept exercises over Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal recently, the first joint military drills between the Philippines and the US under the Trump administration.

2 mins

Influencers, vloggers snub House probe, seek SC intervention

Only three of the 41 online personalities invited by the tri-committee of the House of Representatives attended yesterday's hearing about the proliferation of fake news, earning the ire of lawmakers who were forced to issue show-cause orders.

2 mins

Laguna University in Hot Water Over English-Only Policy

A government-run university in Cabuyao, Laguna is under fire for its language policy that requires everyone who steps on campus to communicate exclusively in English in the name of producing \"globally competent\" graduates.

1 min

Over 11 M ballots printed; daily output target exceeded

Over 11 million official ballots for the May 2025 midterm elections have been printed, according to the Commission on Elections.

1 min

BBM to public: Pay your taxes

President Marcos yesterday urged the public to pay taxes and assured the people that tax evaders will be held accountable.

1 min

Subsidizing rice in emergency to cost gov't P2.25 B

Losses of up to P2.25 billion will be absorbed by the government due to the sale of subsidized rice in the market during the state of food security emergency, but officials maintained the measure is necessary to influence prevailing retail prices that have remained exorbitant.

2 mins

Wage hike battle far from over

The fight for the enactment of the proposed P200 legislated wage hike bill is far from over, organized labor groups said.

2 mins

Influencers

From Page 1

2 mins

Ombudsman defends low indictment output at Sandiganbayan

Ombudsman Samuel Martires has defended the low output of his office when it comes to the number of cases filed against government officials at the Sandiganbayan.

1 min

Bayan Calls for 'Heroic Act' of Impeaching VP

The current Congress will be remembered fondly if it does the \"heroic act\" of impeaching Vice President Sara Duterte, the militant Bagong Alyansang Makabayan said yesterday as it called for a vigil by members and supporters today outside the Batasan Pambansa complex to convince lawmakers to act fast.

2 mins

OFW from Bicol gets dream home; Camille Villar vows to champion OFW rights, welfare

Camille Villar turned over on Tuesday the house and lot won by 26-year-old overseas Filipino worker Angelica Abellano during simple ceremonies in Camella Pili, Camarines Sur.

2 mins

Meralco shares rise after Senate OKs franchise renewal

The share price of power giant Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) closed higher after senators voted to pass the measure renewing its franchise for another 25 years.

1 min

Gov't Asked to Comment on 2025 Budget Blank Items

The Supreme Court (SC) has asked Congress and Malacañang to comment on the petition claiming unconstitutional irregularities in the enactment of the 2025 national budget, including the supposed blank items in the bicameral conference committee report of the spending plan.

2 mins

CA defers

According to Camarines Sur 2nd District Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte, CA majority leader. Marciano has served as PhilSA's first and only chief for the past five years, since the agency was established by law in 2019.

1 min

Marcos Appears in 'Alyansa' TV Ad

President Marcos appeared in the first ad of the senatorial ticket of the Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas, whose theme revolved around working together, moving forward and achieving recovery.

1 min

NBI raids 'love scam' hub in Makati: 100 nabbed

Up to 100 Filipinos and a Chinese national were apprehended after the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) raided an alleged \"love scam\" facility in a condominium building in Makati yesterday.

1 min

QC Crime Volume Down by 14%

The crime volume in Quezon City dropped by at least 14 percent, police reported yesterday.

1 min

39 Arrested for Selling SIM Cards

The police Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) apprehended 39 people and seized 7,900 registered subscriber identity module cards last month in an intensified crackdown on the illegal sale of SIM cards.

1 min

Fugitive PNP general told: Surrender, face drug raps

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla yesterday issued a message for retired police Brig. Gen. Narciso Domingo, who remains at large following his indictment in connection with the alleged cover-up of a P6.7-billion shabu haul in Tondo, Manila in 2022.

1 min

Deepfakes

While checking out the latest BTS songs last week, I came across several YouTube video clips reporting that the super K-pop group's Jungkook was rushed to a military hospital emergency room in South Korea and then flown to the United States \"in critical condition\" due to poisoning.

3 mins

LGUs: Annoyed and unhappy

CTALK

4 mins

Fixing PhilHealth

EDITORIAL

1 min

Sex education as we know it is no longer enough

An overhaul of the existing sex education curriculum is long overdue.

4 mins

One response to Trump's tariffs: Trade that excludes the US

As President Donald Trump last weekend opened what could become a global trade war, a growing number of countries, including the United States' closest allies, are forging their own economic partnerships without the United States.

1 min

Is Israel Justified for Gaza's Death Toll?

THE CORNER ORACLE

4 mins

P128-M smuggled fuel seized in Batangas

Suspected smuggled fuel worth P128 million was seized by agents of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the police at a port in San Juan, Batangas yesterday.

1 min

Go Supports Cooperative Development Programs

Sen. Bong Go yesterday led the Malasakit sa Kooperatiba awarding ceremony for 72 outstanding cooperatives in Calabarzon.

1 min

Bicamp sets new BARMM election date on Oct. 13

The Senate and the House of Representatives have agreed to move the date of the first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) from May 12 to Oct. 13.

1 min

Whale watching in 3 Bohol areas suspended

The provincial government of Bohol has stopped all whale watching or interaction activities in Albuquerque, Dauis and Lila towns for alleged violation of the law.

1 min

US Sovereign Wealth Fund Eyed to Own TikTok

US President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order directing the US to take steps to start developing a government-owned investment fund that he said could be used to profit off of TikTok if he's successful at finding it an American buyer.

1 min

Baldoni, Lively Lawyers Face Off in $400 Million Defamation Case

Lawyers for Hollywood stars Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively (in photo) faced off Monday in their $400 million defamation fight, as Baldoni's side dropped a cache of case documents online, prompting censure from the judge.

1 min

Thousands Leave as Fresh Tremors Shake Santorini

Thousands of people were leaving the Greek island of Santorini by sea and air for a third day yesterday as an unprecedented series of earthquakes shook the top travel destination.

1 min

SoKor's Yoon in court again for impeachment hearings

South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol, who has been arrested and suspended from duties over his declaration of martial law, was in court again Tuesday for hearings that will decide whether to officially remove him from office.

1 min

Ukrainian Troops Losing Ground to Russia

A dire shortage of infantry troops and supply routes coming under Russian drone attacks are conspiring against Ukrainian forces in Pokrovsk, where decisive battles in the nearly three-year war are playing out—and time is running short.

1 min

Trump agrees to pause tariffs on Canada, Mexico

WASHINGTON (AP) — US President Donald Trump on Monday agreed to a 30-day pause on his tariff threats against Mexico and Canada as America's two largest trading partners took steps to appease his concerns about border security and drug trafficking.

1 min

Musk Takes Reigns of US Treasury Payments, Sparking Lawsuit

Elon Musk and his aides have taken control of the US Treasury Department's payments system, triggering a lawsuit charging he is illegally getting access to private data of millions of Americans.

1 min

Newsome to join Gilas from Taipei

Meralco is a win away from gaining a slot in the EASL Final Four, but beating the New Taipei Kings by at least four points at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium on Feb. 12 to make it via the quotient system is a challenge.

1 min

PLAYOFFS GET UNDERWAY

Repeat or revenge? Over four months since their quarterfinal duel last conference, Barangay Ginebra and Meralco are back at it, disputing a semifinal ticket anew in the PBA Commissioner's Cup.

1 min

Pfister, Dubberstein off to winning start

The Philippines' Marc Pfister and Kathleen Dubberstein shocked heavy favorites Jihoon Seeong and Kim Kyeongae of South Korea, 12-6, in the mixed doubles of curling that jump-started the country's campaign in the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China yesterday.

1 min

Abalos Unanimous Choice as Best Horse Owner

For nearly two decades, horse owner/breeder Benhur Abalos Jr. has become a beacon of success to a vibrant Philippine racing industry by consistently developing a parade of champion horses in the sport of kings.

1 min

Davison, Alcantara spark PLDT victory

Savi Davison went supernova as PLDT overpowered Farm Fresh, 25-20, 25-17, 25-19, yesterday to stay inside the magic four in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena.

1 min

Any takers for Butler?

The NBA trade deadline is tomorrow (Friday, 4 a.m., Manila time) and there's still no word on whether or not Miami's recalcitrant Jimmy Butler is moving to another team.

2 mins

Fitch expects Phl growth to pick up

Fitch Ratings projects the Philippine economy to gain momentum over the next two years, supported by monetary easing, robust infrastructure spending and investment-friendly reforms.

2 mins

Phl debt hits P16.05 T in 2024

The country's outstanding obligation rose by 9.8 percent to P16.05 trillion in 2024 from P14.62 trillion in 2023 mainly due to higher government borrowings to finance the budget deficit and the impact of a stronger dollar.

1 min

Cool weather leads to lower demand Power spot market prices drop in January

Cool weather leads to lower demand

2 mins

PSEi climbs back above 6,000

The local stock market climbed its way back above the 6,000 level after investors cheered US President Donald Trump's decision to pause the planned tariffs against Mexico and Canada for 30 days.

1 min

Lowering our standards

It is disheartening to see that we Filipinos have been lowering our acceptable standards on a lot of things through the years.

4 mins

Chinabank rejoins PSEi

Sy-led China Banking Corp. returned to the Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) on Feb. 3, marking its comeback to the 30-member benchmark index after nearly 14 years.

1 min

DMCI Homes Sees Strong Demand for Quality Housing Persisting

DMCI Homes is keeping an optimistic outlook on the real estate market with housing remaining as an essential need for many Filipinos.

1 min

ACEN Injects Fresh Capital to Belenos

Ayala-led ACEN Corp. is further strengthening its financial support for subsidiary Belenos Energy Corp. with an additional investment of P392 million.

1 min

ICTSI buys new hybrid gantries

Logistics giant International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) is scaling up measures to reduce its carbon waste by purchasing new gantries that require less fuel.

1 min

Fruitas Embarking on P100-M Share Buyback

Fruitas Holdings Inc. of businessman Lester Yu is poised to buy back P100 million worth of the company's common shares in a move to enhance shareholder value.

1 min

US-Phl Society to convene in Manila

The US-Philippines Society will convene anew in Manila from Feb. 10 to 11 to assess key topics of importance to both countries.

3 mins

BSP to assess DBP's regulatory relief extension

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will evaluate any request from the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) for an extension of its regulatory relief, but only if the justification is deemed strong and reasonable, an official said.

1 min

Onward and upward

2024 marked a year of firsts and monumental achievements, propelling the Philippines toward becoming a leading fintech hub with advances in sustainable financial inclusion, technology and groundbreaking collaborations.

4 mins

Digital Initiatives Fuel SEC Firms' Registration

Digital initiatives made doing business in the country more efficient and propelled the number of new companies registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to an all-time high last year.

2 mins

Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright

When William Blake wrote his famous lines, \"Tyger, tyger burning bright in the forest of the night\" in 1794, what was on his mind? Was he awed by this fearsome animal? \"What immortal hand or eye could frame thy fearful symmetry?\" Blake asked. Did he use the tiger as a metaphor for fearlessness and power?

1 min

ARTISTIC DUO GRACE CORONEL AGBAYANI AND MUNTE DEL ROSARIO

Wito Tuason Quimson held a welcome dinner in her Ritz Penthouse for Australian-based good friends Richard and Miriam Wong.

1 min

Artistic Duo Grace Coronel Agbayani and Munte Del Rosario

Artistic duo Grace Coronel Agbayani and Munte del Rosario first got together last year, and continues their creative partnership with their latest exhibit at Chef Jessie in Rockwell Makati until Feb. 28.

1 min

UNIQLO: UNIQUE CLOTHING FOR A NEW FASHION AGE

The Japanese clothing brand Uniqlo has long been a favorite with Manila's fashionistas for its line of impeccable basics, well-made and affordable.

3 mins

Mosaic x Andrea Tetangco: Styling Femininity With Classic Couture

Days before the Chinese New Year celebration, over a feast of dimsum, prawn rolls, and fortune cookies, homegrown brand Mosaic and fashion designer Andrea Tetangco launched last Jan. 23 their contemporary collection featuring the ultimate muse: the feminine form.

3 mins

Chappell Roan: The Grammy-winning pop supernova

Camp queen, queer icon, a searing yet irreverent songwriter with cascading vocals: Chappell Roan has soared to pop's upper echelons on a singular blend of vulnerability and high-production performance that has earned her legions of fans.

3 mins

JUKE BOSS' OF TV5'S 'SING GALING'

Asia's Diamond Soul Siren Nina didn't have second thoughts when she was offered to be one of the new \"juke bosses\" of TV5's \"Sing Galing.\" She was thrilled to be joining the show knowing that her former manager, Randy Santiago, was previously part of the program.

2 mins

Finally, Beyoncé Wins Album of the Year at the Grammys

Isn't it great that after vacillating for a while, \"to postpone or not, to postpone or not...etc.\" because of the raging wildfire in Los Angeles, the organizers of the Grammy Awards finally decided to go on with the show? And what a show it was.

2 mins

From child star to debutante: Ashley Sarmiento is ready for new challenges in acting, music

Sparkle GMA Artist Center teen star Ashley Sarmiento had her coming-of-age celebration last Jan. 26 with \"The Princess Diaries\" theme and \"Bridgerton\" vibes at the Diamond Hotel Manila.

3 mins

Camella by Vista Land, the Most Trusted and Preferred Homebuilder in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao Builds a Legacy of Value through House-and-Lot Communities

What began as a bold vision to make homeownership attainable has become a lifelong dream fulfilled for generations of Filipinos through Camella.

2 mins

A New Dawn for Truth

On January 22, 2025, The Philippine STAR officially opened the doors to its new home in Amvel Compound, Parañaque City.

1 min

An exhibit of greatness

The Philippine STAR's past, present, and future

2 mins

The Philippine Star in 2025

We are working towards an unstoppable future

4 mins

Wellness on the Frontlines: Why Employee Well-Being Matters in Hospitals

Employee well-being, with more focus on mental wellness, has been the buzzword since the global pandemic restricted people's movement and required workers to work from home.

2 mins

VIVA and Philstar Media Group Partner for 'Bagets: The Musical'

The Philippine STAR continues to think out of the box by venturing into theater

2 mins

Hans Sy Named Adopted Son and Honorary Mayor of Bacolod at 20th Bacolaodiat Festival

The executive committee chairman of integrated property developer SM Prime Holdings Inc., Hans T. Sy, was honored January 30 the title Adopted Son and Honorary Mayor of Bacolod City during the 20th Bacolaodiat Festival, one of the country's largest Chinese New Year celebrations.

1 min

Joyful Wellness: A better you is waiting through this holistic health and wellness movement from Philstar NEXT

Philstar NEXT, an experience and events agency under the Philstar Media Group, has launched their Joyful Wellness campaign, a comprehensive initiative designed to transform the mindset of Filipinos towards becoming informed and inspired health advocates.

2 mins

STARcast Exclusive: Bridging Fans and Idols

The Philippine STAR, the country's leading newspaper, has teamed up with JuanCast, an online platform that brings fans closer to their favorite artists.

1 min

SM Foundation Opens 2025 College Scholarship Application

M Foundation, the social good arm of the SM Group, has opened its college scholarship program, with applications running from February 1 to March 31, 2025.

1 min

OUR MISSION CONTINUES WITH READISCOVER

Instill the habit of reading credible journalism in today's younger generation

2 mins

The READiscover Program conducts regular writing contests and journalism workshops.

Caption: Students participate in READiscover's media literacy module.

1 min

Federal Land's The Grand Midori Ortigas: Your Zen-inspired home in the heart of the city

Japanese design principles are renowned for their exquisite simplicity, unmatched functionality, and timeless elegance.

2 mins

Health Vibe: The Philippine STAR's new approach to health information

The Philippine STAR, the country's leading newspaper, is expanding its reach and commitment to public health with the launch of \"Health Vibe,\" a new health information web program.

1 min

A future where truth reigns supreme

The Philippine STAR leaders and their aspirations on the Future of Impact Wall

1 min

Celebrating the Philippine Star's Legacy and New Beginnings

For 38 years, The Philippine STAR has been the one you go to when you want the truth.

1 min

PhilSTAR Life connects generations in 2025

From storytelling to conversations:

1 min

Hello, future! Welcome to the present

The year is 2001. I'm sitting against the classroom wall, waiting for my thesis professor. I intentionally left my pen and paper at home, opting instead for my Handspring Visor Prism.

3 mins

PLDT, Smart, USAID, UP Collaborate for Philippines' First Open RAN Laboratory

Leading integrated telco network PLDT Inc (PLDT) and its wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc (Smart) are collaborating with international and local telco industry stakeholders and the academe in advancing the adoption of Open Radio Access Networks (RAN) in the Philippines.

3 mins

From newsroom to screen: 'Truth on the Line' showcases The Philippine STAR's bold digital shift

With the rise of new media, news is more accessible than ever—but credible, well-contextualized information remains a rarity.

1 min

Hearts on fire: Young STAR's year ahead

The STAR's youth section renews its promise to write with passion minus the bull

3 mins

From life below water to life on land: AboitizPower drives action toward biodiversity protection and carbon sinks

From harmonizing industrial development and environmental preservation to reaching out to help host communities, AboitizPower Corporation (AboitizPower) believes in a corporate mission of shared prosperity and progress inspired by the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

5 mins

Well wishes and congratulations: The Philippine STAR inaugurates new headquarters

On January 22, 2025, The Philippine STAR celebrated the inauguration of its new headquarters in Amvel City, Parañaque City, marking a significant milestone in the company's history. The event, attended by prominent figures from various sectors, celebrated the media company's relocation from Manila's historic Port Area and its continued commitment to truth and impactful journalism. Numerous congratulatory messages highlighted The STAR's enduring legacy and its bright future.

1 min

The Future of Living in the Philippines: A home that speaks to you

What does home mean to you? For many, it's a space of comfort and security. But in the post-pandemic world, home has become more than that—it's now an extension of who we are, a place that nurtures our well-being, connects us to nature, and allows us to live authentically.

2 mins

Philstar Outdoor:

Reaching Filipinos wherever they are

1 min

The New All-Electric Porsche Macan Presented at the 20th Zobel Cup

Porsche Philippines recently unveiled the new all-electric Macan during the most prestigious event in the polo season, the Enrique Zobel Memorial Polo Cup, recently held at the Manila Polo Club.

4 mins

One Suzuki Kick-Off Ride marks start of Suzuki PH's Golden Year

Suzuki Philippines marked the beginning of its milestone 50th Anniversary celebration with the One Suzuki Kick-Off Ride, an extraordinary two-day event held last January 28-29.

4 mins

Philippines' strict WTO compliance hindered auto parts industry growth- PPMA

The Philippines' strict adherence to World Trade Organization (WTO) rules has left its automotive industry lagging behind regional neighbors like Thailand and Indonesia, according to Ferdi Raquelsantos, president of the Philippine Parts Makers Association (PPMA).

2 mins

With a current market share of 46%, will Toyota gain 50% with the new Tamaraw?

It's amazing when you consider that when the Chinese car brands started entering the Philippine market in 2018—an onslaught that continues today and has since decimated the market shares of almost every automotive brand in the country—Toyota's market share actually went up from 39.5 percent at the end of 2019 to the current 46.7 percent.

3 mins

Isuzu Philippines Corp. gears up for the 2025 Isuzu Truck Fest

To showcase 19 trucks in celebration of 25 years as the no. 1 truck brand

2 mins

Should brands amend the standards for airbags?

Geely Philippines was viral again on Facebook recently for another issue. This time, a Geely Emgrand was involved in an accident and the airbags didn't deploy despite the seriousness of the impact.

3 mins

23rd Mitsubishi Skills Olympics Crowns Carworld Inc. as Overall Champion

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) held the 23rd Mitsubishi Skills Olympics (MSO) last January 11, 2025, at MMPC Training Center in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

2 mins

Honda Cars PH Receives Awards for Five Models

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) has an award-winning lineup.

2 mins

Read all stories from The Philippine Star

The Philippine Star Newspaper Description:

The Philippine Star is your go-to source for reliable, up-to-date news on politics, business, sports, entertainment, and global affairs. As one of the Philippines' most respected newspapers, it provides in-depth reports, expert opinions, and exclusive interviews, keeping you informed on the nation’s most important developments. Whether it’s breaking news, government policies, financial updates, or lifestyle trends, The Philippine Star ensures you stay ahead with accurate and insightful journalism.

Stay informed—subscribe today!