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Tuesday, December 24, 2024
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SCREENGRAB FROM DOST-PAGASA WEB PAGE

3 weather systems to bring rains in most parts of PH until Christmas Day — Pagasa

By Arlie O. Calalo

HEADLINES: Palace: Reenacted budget not likely | December 24, 2024

HEADLINES: Palace: Reenacted budget not likely | December 24, 2024

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Commission on Filipinos Overseas Chairman Dante Ang II and Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, pose for photos during the Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO), in Malacañang Dec. 11, 2024. PHOTOS BY MIKE ALQUINTO

Palace: Reenacted budget not likely

By Kristina Maralit

Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

Comelec control of Sulu weighed

By Aric John Sy Cua and William B. Depasupil

Comelec exec survives Zamboanga ambush

By William B. Depasupil

Palace: Reenacted budget not likely

Comelec control of Sulu weighed

Comelec exec survives Zamboanga ambush

[2023]-TODAYS-WEATHER-NEW

Today's Weather, 4 A.M. | Dec. 24, 2024

Rubilen Amit PHOTO FROM PREDATOR PRO BILLIARD SERIES FB

Amit punches ticket to 2025 World Games

In this pool photograph distributed by Russian state agency Sputnik, Russia's President Vladimir Putin (R) shakes hands with Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico (L) prior to their talks in Moscow on December 22, 2024. (Photo by Gavriil GRIGOROV / POOL / AFP)

Zelenskyy accuses Slovak PM of wanting to 'help Putin'

Japan watchdog accuses Google of antitrust violation

US President Joe Biden speaks during a holiday visit to patients and families at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC, on December 20, 2024. (Photo by Ting Shen / AFP)

Biden commutes sentences for 37 of 40 federal death row inmates

THE-RUMBLING

WATCH: Kanlaon spews ash up to 1,200 meters from crater

US President-elect Donald Trump speaks during Turning Point's annual AmericaFest 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona, on December 22, 2024. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP)

Trump vows to 'stop transgender lunacy' as a top priority

An effigy of South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol is seen in a mock prison as protesters take part in a rally calling for Yoon's ouster in front of the Gwanghwamun Gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul on December 21, 2024. (Photo by Jung Yeon-je / AFP)

South Korean president snubs summons for second time

Jo Yu-ri, from left, Lee Byung-hun, Lee Seo-hwan, Hwang Dong-hyuk, Im Si-wan, Lee Jung-jae, Yang Dong-geun, and Kang Ae-sim arrive at the premiere of the second season of "Squid Game" on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, at Los Angeles City College in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

'Squid Game' returns looking for win with season 2

Bluesky finds with growth comes growing pains — and bots

FILE - This image made available by NASA shows an artist's rendering of the Parker Solar Probe approaching the Sun. It's designed to take solar punishment like never before, thanks to its revolutionary heat shield that's capable of withstanding 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit (1,370 degrees Celsius). (Steve Gribben/Johns Hopkins APL/NASA via AP, File)

NASA's Parker Solar Probe aims to fly closer to the sun like never before

Antonio Contreras

On the Contrary

A budget that violates the Constitution in aid of getting elected

By Antonio Contreras

Observer

No greater gift to the nation: New laws, new map of territory and sovereign rights

By Yen Makabenta

Orlando Mercado

O RLY?

Lilipas din 'yan

By Orlando Mercado

Rough Trade

A case study in too much of a good thing

Today's Front Page

Heeding the clamor for a tighter ship at PhilHealth

Application of the right against self-incrimination

By Persida Acosta

Rafael Alunan III

It's time for a reckoning

By Rafael Alunan III

Michael “Xiao” Chua

Walking History

Pati pera mawawalan na ng tao

By Michael “Xiao” Chua

Ma. Lourdes Tiquia

Zilch

By Ma. Lourdes Tiquia

The City Builder

Why church patios are important in nation-building

By Arnel Casanova

Lloyd C. Bautista

Securitatem Populi

Political terrorism and violence during elections

By Lloyd C. Bautista

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Gov. Eli Remolona Jr. PHOTO BY THE PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

BUSINESS

IMF: BSP has room for gradual rate cuts

By Niña Myka Pauline Arceo

Rubilen Amit PHOTO FROM PREDATOR PRO BILLIARD SERIES FB

SPORTS

Amit punches ticket to 2025 World Games

By Aric John Sy Cua

FANCY MOVES North Korean soldiers performing an exercise during a military parade marking the 70th anniversary of the signing of the armistice that halted the 1950-1953 Korean War, at Kim Il-sung Square in the North’s capital Pyongyang on July 27, 2023. FILE PHOTO FROM THE KOREAN CENTRAL NEWS AGENCY VIA EPA

WORLD

'NKoreans dead, hurt in Russia hits 1,100'

By Agence France-Presse

(From left) Producer Dondon Monteverde with the cast of ‘Strange Frequencies,’ led by Enrique Gil, Rob Gomez, Jane de Leon, Alexa Miro, MJ Lastimosa, Raf Pineda and Zackaroo. FACEBOOK PHOTOS/REALITY MM STUDIOS

Cheers, chills at 'Strange Frequencies' preem

By Tessa Mauricio-Arriola

LIFESTYLE

Magic awaits at the PH's first ever Disney Store

Members of the Collegiate Press Corps, one of who is The Manila Times reporter Niel Masoy, give back by entertaining kids from Concordia Children’s Services Inc. in Manila on Dec. 23, 2024 following a fruitful collegiate sports season. PHOTO BY RIO DELUVIO

SEASON OF GIVING BACK

December 23, 2024

The Nativity scene or "Belen" is one of the iconic images of Christmas, especially in the Philippines where about 80 percent of its population are Catholic. The ALRIVER Christmas Home in Pasig City houses around 300 of these handcrafted Nativity scenes while the Manila Cathedral put up its own 'Belen' as shown in these photos taken on Dec. 23, 2024. PHOTO BY ISMAEL DE JUAN AND MIKE ALQUINTO

WHAT MATTERS MOST

December 23, 2024

Commission on Election (Comelec) Chairman George Erwin Garcia answers questions from the media regarding the ambush of Sulu Provincial Election Supervisor Vidzfar Julie Amil at the Palacio del Gobernador in Intramuros on Dec. 23, 2024. Garcia called on the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to dismantle private armies during the election period to avoid further violence. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

December 23, 2024

Workers protest in front of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Manila, on Dec. 23 2024, calling on DOLE to intervene and reinstate the allegedly illegally dismissed union leaders of Nexperia Philippines and Paperland. The workers’ unions are in a deadlock with their management over negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and that the dismissal of union leaders is a clear violation of workers’ rights. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

VIOLATION OF WORKERS' RIGHTS

December 23, 2024

A signature campaign for the absolute clemency of Mary Jane Veloso is launched in Baclaran, Paranaque on Dec. 23, 2024, days after she arrived from Indonesia where she was meted the death penalty for drug trafficking in 2015. After years of negotiations, the Indonesian government granted a Philippine petition to allow Veloso to come home on the condition that she would serve a life sentence, the maximum penalty under the Philippine judicial system, because capital punishment has been abolished. The signatures will be sent directly to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Meanwhile, Veloso's lawyers are pursuing a case against her recruiters for human trafficking. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

SIGNATURE CAMPAIGN

December 23, 2024

US and Philippine soldiers walk during a joint army-to-army exercise between the Philippines and the US at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija province on March 31, 2023. (Photo by Ted ALJIBE / AFP)

Nation

Philippine Army acquiring US missile system

(UPDATE) THE Philippine military said Monday it plans to acquire the US Typhon missile system to protect its maritime interests, some of which overlap with regional power China. The US Army deployed the mid-range missile system in northern Luzon in April for annual joint military exercises with its longtime ally but decided to leave it there despite criticism by Beijing that it was destabilizing to Asia. Since then, it has been used by Philippine forces to train for its operation. "It is planned to be acquired because we see its feasibility and its functionality in our concept of

By Agence France-Presse and Francis Earl Cueto - December 24, 2024

Party-list cause helps win over voters — poll

Comelec confirms Amil ambush election-related

Booklet for seniors' medicine not needed

2 Manila dining spots make iconic restaurants

Imee whips up support for Philippine film industry

New fuel price hike takes effect on Christmas Eve

Go shows support for grassroots governance

Transport chief cites NAIA improvements

4 of 13 suspects in gang rape of teenage girl fall

P3.2M shabu seized at Davao checkpoint

STRATEGIC RAPU-RAPU A coastal community in Rapu-Rapu, one of four strategic areas on Albay’s eastern coast, where the Albay Blue Lane (ABL) concept was first introduced in 2007. PHOTO COURTESY OF RAPU-RAPU MHO FACEBOOK

'Blue economy' on table as ABL renews mission

Court grants Pandi mayor's motion to quash arrest warrant

BIBI'S BURDEN Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives at the district court in the western city of Tel Aviv on Dec. 23, 2024, to attend the fifth day of testimony in his corruption trial. AFP PHOTO

Netanyahu vows to act with 'force' vs Houthis

By Agence France-Presse

STILL SMILING Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau leaves Parliament Hill after attending a Cabinet meeting in the capital Ottawa on Dec. 20, 2024. AFP PHOTO

Trudeau losing support within his own party

FROM MUSK TILL DON United States President-elect Donald Trump speaks during Turning Point's annual AmericaFest 2024 event in Phoenix, Arizona, on Dec. 22, 2024. AFP PHOTO

Musk, president? Trump says 'not happening'

PRAYING FOR PEACE People watch Pope Francis on a giant screen at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City on Dec. 22, 2024. AP PHOTO

Pope Francis calls for ceasefire on all war fronts

In this pool photograph distributed by Russian state agency Sputnik, Russia's President Vladimir Putin (R) shakes hands with Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico (L) prior to their talks in Moscow on December 22, 2024. (Photo by Gavriil GRIGOROV / POOL / AFP)

Zelenskyy accuses Slovak PM of wanting to 'help Putin'

US President Joe Biden speaks during a holiday visit to patients and families at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC, on December 20, 2024. (Photo by Ting Shen / AFP)

Biden commutes sentences for 37 of 40 federal death row inmates

US President-elect Donald Trump speaks during Turning Point's annual AmericaFest 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona, on December 22, 2024. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP)

Trump vows to 'stop transgender lunacy' as a top priority

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

Top Business

Debt service burden up 17% to $13B

THE country's debt service burden rose by 16.8 percent to $12.85 billion as of the end of September from $11 billion a year earlier, preliminary data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed. Principal payments picked up by 16.8 percent to $6.93 billion from $5.93 billion, while interest payments also rose by 16.8 percent to $5.93 billion from $5.07 billion. The debt service burden includes principal and interest payments on medium- to long-term credits like those from the International Monetary Fund, loans subject to Paris Club agreements, and debt restructuring by commercial

By Niña Myka Pauline Arceo - December 24, 2024

Stocks, peso sustain rebound on rate cut hopes

BOI: 173 green-lane projects certified

AboitizPower's unsung heroes who are on duty this Christmas season to help keep the lights on

PCC OKs $3.3B buyout of power, LNG plants

Benguet Corp declares first dividend in 35 years

SNAP, GEDI China sign deal for Magat battery storage system

What does it take to change a nation?

Foreign Business

Japan watchdog accuses Google of antitrust violation

Foreign Business

Bluesky finds with growth comes growing pains — and bots

PH external debt still manageable – BSP

Analysts see fewer rate cuts in 2025

Bargain hunting may boost stock market

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Sports

Medals in Qatar

Fifteen kids were sent to the Asian Juniors and Youth Weightlifting Championships in Qatar this week and all of them went home with medals. All 15 of them. Some gold, some silver, and some bronze. What's important is they all delivered for the country. This is the message I always remind them. You come home empty and you'll be back in the woods lurking around for sometime. Unless you show me you're ready, no trips for any of you. Philippine Sports Commission under Chair Richard Bachmann has given us his trust and we MUST always deliver. Guess this should also be true

By Monico Puentevella - December 24, 2024

Langers edge Tiger, son in PNC playoff

Atalanta fights back to take Serie A top spot

Commanders down Eagles; Lions, Vikings win

Joshua bout only fight left for beaten Fury

Fonseca dominates NextGen ATP

Rockets beat Raptors for 1st win in Toronto

Kai Sotto solid for Japan's Koshigaya

NU uses Season 86 heartache to bounce back stronger

Stock Watch

Stock indices as of December 23, 2024

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Stock indices as of December 20, 2024

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Stock indices as of December 19, 2024

PUBLIC SERVICE EXCELLENCE Muntinlupa receives its 3rd consecutive Seal of Good Local Governance. PHOTO FROM THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF MUNTINLUPA

Muntinlupa celebrates the true heart of its people

THE PERFECT MIX Absolut Vodka and Sprite ready-to-drink alcoholic cocktail is perfect for the holiday season. PHOTO FROM COCA-COLA PHILIPPINES

Absolut Vodka and Sprite ready-to-drink alcoholic cocktail makes its exciting PH debut

Neky and her family (pictured), along with the rest of Barangay Bairan, put up electric-powered Christmas decorations for the first time. PHOTO FROM ABOITIZ POWER

Families in Bairan, Cebu celebrate Christmas with electricity for the first time

LEGACY ALIGNED Top Outstanding Filipino Laureates (Tofil) Chairman Glenn Banaguas (rightmost) presents the certificates of recognition to the speakers at the 2nd Tofil Laureates Conference. PHOTO BY KHRYSTYN ANDAYA

Tofil laureates cite sustainability, resilience among key factors for PH growth

First lady Liza Araneta-Marcos (2nd from left) hosts the special screening of ‘Hello, Love, Again’ at Uptown Bonifacio on Nov. 13, 2024, in partnership with Megaworld Cinema in a continued effort to champion local cinema and the creative arts. The event was graced by the stars of the film Kathryn Bernardo (center) and Alden Richards (2nd from right), alongside President of Alliance Global Inc. Kevin Tan (leftmost), distinguished executives from ABS-CBN and GMA 7, as well as key government officials. This initiative highlighted the vital role of collaboration in fostering the growth of the local film industry. PHOTO FROM MEGAWORLD LIFESTYLE MALLS

Tmt Newswire

First Lady hosts 'Hello, love, again'

Explore the life that awaits at Le Pont Residences

Year on TikTok 2024: A little creativity sparks a lot of impact

Telus PH builds leaders through mentorship, career devt programs

Condura makes Christmas 'magaan' with immersive pop-up experience

Mober, BDO sign landmark commercial EV fleet financing in PH

Chinoy actors celebrate Christmas

Marco Schlüter new vice president of IFoam

Gift guide through happiness, make it happen with TCL

MOA 360 LED: A new era of digital display in the PH

Metrobank remains ready to serve clients amid holiday festivities

CHR on the return of Mary Jane Veloso after 14 years

Hannah Kong unveils Festive Days collection, bringing elegance, joy

The EVO2 is fitted with adjustable KW racing dampers. TOYOTA PHOTOS

Fast Times

Toyota raises the bar in racing perfomance

January: Suzuki introduced the 5-door Jimny.

Breaking down 2024

Hippo Techmat basic matting.

Holiday gift guide

The Clark International Airport. PHOTOS FROM ROYAL PINEDA ARCHITECTURE. DESIGN

Build & Design

Modern PH sensibility gifted to the world

SMDC Field Residences in Parañaque. PHOTO FROM SMDC

SM's vision through an architect's lens

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Communities vie for best Belen creation

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A concern for Vice Ganda's 'And The Breadwinner Is...'

By Ronnie Carrasco 3rd - December 24, 2024

Julie Anne San Jose is 'Entertainer of the Year'

Piolo Pascual embraces the essence of timeless denim

Bong Revilla's holiday gift

Father-son action duo on balancing stardom and public service

Nostalgia, star power shine at Konsyerto sa Palasyo

MTRCB ratings for Metro Manila Film Fest entries

Bringhe — a classic Filipino dish from Pampanga. PHOTO FROM DLS-CSB

Bringhe for that Filipino Noche Buena

Have a creamy, cost-cutting Christmas

Unwrap the season's best shopping deals with GCash

Gift of connection: stay connected with loved ones this holiday

The gift of health: Stay cold-free this holiday season with Pelargo

'Share-lebrate' the season with a joyful gifting snack

A family holiday gift guide

(From left) CEO of Aura Events Management Bennilyn Amigo-Molina, Myse Salonga, and Shantara Rajeev Arce during the Global Iconic Aces Award.

The Sunday Times Magazine

Artist Myse Salonga crowned Noble Queen of Culture and Arts 2024

December 23, 2024

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A great, golden celebration of Filipino film artistry

For this festive season, chef Pepa Escalante (inset) prepares her version of teardrop shaped leavened bread accompanied by harissa — a North African spicy chili paste. PHOTOS FROM DLS-CSB

Naan — something new for Noche Buena

The centerpiece of the culinary spread are AlBarakah’s premium shredded corned beef and minced hash corned beef. PHOTOS FROM ALBARAKAH

AlBarakah's Arabian Nights Feast dazzles with authentic halal flavors

Banoffee Jelly Pie

Noche Buena desserts with the unassuming gulaman

The Manila Times CSI

US Peace Corps Volunteers and local community leaders visit the giant clams and vibrant coral garden of Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, as part of their five-day workshop on managing marine protected areas. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/US EMBASSY

Expats & Diplomats

US Peace Corps hosts marine protection workshop in PH

Stock Watch

Stock indices as of December 23, 2024

The EVO2 is fitted with adjustable KW racing dampers. TOYOTA PHOTOS

Fast Times

Toyota raises the bar in racing perfomance

ICTSI subsidiary TecPlata Port Terminal in Argentinahas achieves a milestone by securing certification to handle Neo-Panamax vessels.
PHOTO from ICTSI

Maritime

TecPlata to handle Neo-Panamax ships

By Genivi Verdejo - December 18, 2024

The Clark International Airport. PHOTOS FROM ROYAL PINEDA ARCHITECTURE. DESIGN

Build & Design

Modern PH sensibility gifted to the world

By Jovi Miroy - December 24, 2024

Daram, Samar. PHOTO FROM OCEANA

Green Industries

Samar project aims to reduce 40% postharvest fish loss

By Cora Llamas - December 21, 2024

The 2024 Science Film Festival, organized by the Goethe Institut and the University of the Philippines Los Baños College of Development Communication-Department of Science Communication, features the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture “Sowing Seeds: Cultivating Youth's Future in Agriculture,” a career orientation initiative encouraging Southeast Asian youth to engage in agriculture on Dec. 11 and 12, 2024. SEARCA PHOTO

Campus Press

Searca 'Sowing Seeds' youth talk show episodes featured in science film fest

By Leander C. Domingo - December 23, 2024

PORTRAIT-BRW-GERARD-CEDRIC-REYES

Boardroom Watch

Leading a new generation toward change

By Khrystyn Andaya - December 20, 2024

Photo shows the participants during the event where the Nueva Vizcaya Mango Industry Development Council was created. DTI PHOTO

Agribusiness

Vizcaya mango council created

By Leander C. Domingo - December 19, 2024