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Saturday, January 18, 2025
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A handout photo taken on April 7, 2024 and received from the Australian Department of Defence on April 8 shows the Philippine Navy ship BRP Antonio Luna during a multilateral maritime cooperative activity between Australia, the United States, Japan and the Philippines off the coast within the Philippines Exclusive Economic Zone. (Photo by Leo BAUMGARTNER / AUSTRALIAN DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / AUSTRALIAN DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE / LEO BAUMGARTNER" - NO MARKETING - NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS
- RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / AUSTRALIAN DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE / LEO BAUMGARTNER" - NO MARKETING - NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS /

Philippine Navy holds exercise near Scarborough Shoal

By Agence France-Presse

HEADLINES: 2025 budget is 'suboptimal' | January 18, 2025

HEADLINES: 2025 budget is 'suboptimal' | January 18, 2025

REDUCED BUDGET President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Jan. 16, 2025 pushes for substantial allocations for key programs of the Department of Education (DepEd) as the agency reveals the reduction in its budget for 2025 could worsen the country’s problem on teacher shortage. PHOTO COURTESY OF PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE

2025 budget is 'suboptimal'

By Catherine S. Valente

pt2/news/jan16/150120_pcg-ccg1
Photo by Enrique Agcaoili
The Philippine Coast Guard (right) with the China Coast Guard (left) vessels set sail for a joint maritime drill over the waters of the Manila Bay on January 15, 2020. The drill aims to exercise interoperability and strengthen their capabilities in responding to such crises.

PH ship stops Chinese vessel from entering economic zone off Zambales

By Franco Jose C. Baroña

Food emergency for rice proposed

By Janine Alexis Miguel and Giselle P. Jordan

2025 budget is 'suboptimal'

PH ship stops Chinese vessel from entering economic zone off Zambales

Food emergency for rice proposed

[2023]-TODAYS-WEATHER-NEW

Today's Weather, 4 A.M. | Jan. 18, 2025

A CASE OF 'POOR TIMING'

WATCH: President firm: Impeach complaint vs Sara impractical

'VERY IMPORTANT' THUMBNAIL

WATCH: BBM backs teaching of sex education in schools

Eastern's Kobey Lam scores against Terrafirma's Brent Paraiso during the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City, Jan. 17, 2025. PHOTO BY RIO DELUVIO

Eastern crushes Terrafirma in PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup

RICE CRISIS THUMBNAIL

WATCH: Marcos backs food security emergency declaration

FUND LACK THUMBNAIL

WATCH: '2025 natl budget sub-optimal'

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signs the General Appropriations Act for 2025 in Malacañang on Monday, December 30, 2024. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN

Marcos backs food security emergency declaration

'LIVABLE'

WATCH: Marcos leads ceremonial turnover of 8 completed 'Yolanda' housing projects in Leyte

A vehicle carrying impeached South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol (C) leaves the complex building housing the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) in Gwacheon on January 15, 2025. Impeached South Korean leader Yoon Suk Yeol was arrested on January 15 over his failed martial law bid, ending a weeks-long standoff with authorities and becoming the first sitting president to be detained in the nation's history. (Photo by JUNG YEON-JE / AFP)

South Korea investigators seek to extend President Yoon's detention

epa11732773 A man walks on the Eiffel Tower garden during snowfall in Paris, France, 21 November 2024. French National Weather and Climate Service Meteo-France issued an' orange' warning in 32 departments from northern Brittany and Normandy to the Ile-de-France due to snowfall and freezing rain forecasted on 21 November. EPA-EFE/CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON

Pakistan airline apologizes for Eiffel Tower advert

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - JANUARY 07: U.S. President-elect Donald Trump speaks to members of the media during a press conference at the Mar-a-Lago Club on January 07, 2025 in Palm Beach, Florida. Trump will be sworn in as the 47th president of the United States on January 20, making him the only president other than Grover Cleveland to serve two non-consecutive terms in office. Scott Olson/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by SCOTT OLSON / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

Trump says ceasefire 'would've never happened' without his team

Antonio Contreras

On the Contrary

Religious freedom and violations of law and public order

By Antonio Contreras

Remoto Control

On the Trump presidency and the waning of the H1B visa

By Danton Remoto

Amado Tolentino Jr.

Ambassadors’ Corner

'From the bushes to the desert'

By Amado Tolentino Jr.

Mauro Gia Samonte

My Say

By Mauro Gia Samonte

Today's Front Page

Bigger thinking needed for real jobs and economic growth

Denial of support must be intended to cause emotional anguish to be considered psychological abuse under Section 5 (i) of RA 9262

By Persida Acosta

Al Vitangcol III

All Insight

False campaign promises

By Al Vitangcol III

Anna Malindog-Uy

Headsight

Why China's high-quality growth matters

By Anna Malindog-Uy

Luckless Pedestrian

By Alvin Santos

Agence France-Presse

UN agencies tremble as Trump term nears

By Agence France-Presse

US-ECONOMY-FINANCE-WORLD BANK

BUSINESS

Low global growth worries WB

By Niña Myka Pauline Arceo

SPORTS

San Miguel parades new import

DIE-HARD BACKERS Supporters of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol gather outside the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials in Gwacheon, on Jan. 16, 2025. AFP Photo

WORLD

Yoon rejects grilling as detention date nears

By Agence France-Presse and Reuters

The 10 official candidates of Miss Universe Philippines-Quezon City, among whom are a 56-year-old beauty queen and a licensed student pilot. PHOTO BY JOHN ORVEN VERDOTE

Miss Universe PH-Quezon City unveils Top 10 candidates

By Iza Iglesias

The Beautiful Soul Sisters group celebrates one of their own.

LIFESTYLE

Rosalind Wee celebrated by 'Beautiful Soul Sisters'

By Becky Garcia

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. holds a site inspection and ceremonial turnover of eight completed Yolanda Permanent Housing Projects in Leyte, Samar and Biliran on Jan. 17, 2025. PHOTOS BY THE PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE

January 17, 2025

UV Express drivers and operators on Jan. 17, 2025 protest against the arbitrary suspension of their operations for three days. Drivers said that around 18,000 passengers would be affected during the suspension. The drivers said they have asked for a cease and desist order from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). PHOTOS BY ISMAEL DE JUAN

UV DRIVERS' PROTEST

January 17, 2025

BAN Toxics, an environmental group, highlights the need to promote zero waste practices in the healthcare sector and address challenges in implementing sustainable waste management solutions on Jan. 17, 2025, International Zero Waste Month. PHOTOS BY ISMAEL DE JUAN

ZERO WASTE CAMPAIGN

January 17, 2025

Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), speaks at the Kapihan sa Manila Hotel on Jan. 17, 2025 on the Filipinos abroad who are on death row and the measures the government has undertaken to have their sentence commuted to life imprisonment. He said the DMW also explored strategies to enhance Filipino workers’ competitiveness while ensuring their rights and welfare. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN

HELPING PINOYS ON DEATH ROW

January 17, 2025

Members of the Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Navy and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) donate blood during a bloodletting drive at the National Press Club (NPC) in Manila on Jan. 17, 2025. Organized by the NPC, in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, the event promotes volunteerism and aims to address the urgent need for blood supplies in medical facilities. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN

BLOODLETTING DRIVE

January 17, 2025

RICE CRISIS One of the Kadiwa Centers in Manila sells well-milled rice at P38 per kilogram from P40 per kilo on Jan. 17, 2025. The Kadiwa ng Pangulo lowered the price under the government’s Rice for All program. PHOTO BY RENE H DILAN

Nation

President backs food security emergency

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday expressed support for the declaration of a food security emergency to bring down the prices of rice in the country. Speaking to reporters, the president said the recommendation to declare a food security emergency aims to address the soaring price of rice. "The reason that we are doing this is we have done everything to lower the price of rice, but the market is not being allowed to work properly," Marcos said. "The demand and supply curve is not followed because until now, even if you lower all inputs, prices remain high," he said. The president

By Catherine S. Valente and Giselle P. Jordan - January 18, 2025

Trump's top diplomat pick warns China

Marcos agrees with Enrile on INC stand

Petition filed to disbar Duterte

Big-time spikes in fuel prices seen next week

OFW's 'correct' remains repatriated to family

Filipinos grapple with employment woes

'LRT-1 Cavite Extension Phase 2 facing delay'

Atienza slams Senate bill over school subject

MISSING BOAT This is the photo of MV Ren Zen 2 fishing boat which went missing after leaving Claveria town in Cagayan on the morning of Jan. 15, 2025. PHOTO COURTESY OF REYMALYN MARIANO

Boat with 7 passengers missing in Cagayan

‘PANELS’ TALK Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia (left) and Church representatives Fr. Brian Brigoli (second from left), chairman of the Cebu Archdiocesan Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church, and Msgr. Renato Beltran, chancellor of the Archdiocese of Cebu, discuss the developments in their efforts to recover the ‘stolen’ panels of Boljoon Church. PHOTO BY KAISER JAN FUENTES

Museum to return 'stolen' pulpit panels in March

2 Sinulog performers nabbed for drug use

‘NICE MEETING YOU’ President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. shakes hands with some of the recipients of the government’s housing program for victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda in Leyte on Jan. 17, 2025. Marcos led the ceremonial turnover of eight completed housing projects in the province, which bore the brunt of Yolanda’s fury in 2013. PHOTO BY THE PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE

3,517 homes given to Yolanda-affected families

TIGHT SECURITY Policemen stand guard outside the Adiala prison before the graft case hearing in Rawalpindi on Jan. 17, 2025. AFP photo

Pakistan ex-PM gets 14 years in graft case

By Agence France-Presse

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Taiwan carries out first execution in five years

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NKorea eyes tough action versus 'allies' joint drills

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Australian police vow pursuit of vandals

NOT AMENABLE Israeli demonstrators block roads during a protest against the ceasefire with Hamas in Jerusalem on Jan. 16, 2025. AFP Photo

Israeli Cabinet to meet after truce terms set

WRATH OF NATURE A view of a hillside car and home destroyed in the Palisades Fire, California, on Jan. 16, 2025. AFP Photo

LA evacuees told not to return for another week

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Trump all ready for inauguration

Commercial fishing boats with superlights stationed in unison in the municipal waters of San Pascual Masbate where indiscriminate fishing is rampant and unabated affecting to marginalized fishermen in Bicol. PHOTO BY RHAYDZ BARCIA

Top Business

DA appeals SC fishing ruling

THE Agriculture department on Friday said that it had asked the Supreme Court to reconsider a decision allowing commercial fishing in municipal waters. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. was said to have made the announcement during a meeting with concerned groups such as Oceana Philippines, Magsasaka Partylist, Federation of Free Farmers, Philippine Movement for Climate Justice and the National Anti-Poverty Commission. It was not immediately clear if the department had filed its own appeal as its attached agency, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, earlier this month

By Giselle P. Jordan - January 18, 2025

China hits target but outlook clouded

Peso slips; stock market rebounds

PPA earns P27.30B, highest since 1974

Toyota PH, BYD seen leading vehicle sales

Commissioning starts for ACEN's India project

San Miguel Foods, DA partner for farmers

Ayala, UP college ink AI, data science deal

Taiwan wants to build industrial park in PH

Decongestion charging

Low inflation, floating exchange rates good for exports

AI as a partner at work

Cemex Holdings Philippines Inc. announces special stockholders' meeting

ICONIC Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz pose with her photo during the Agence France-Presse photo exhibit at the S’Maison in Pasay City on April 16, 2024. FILE PHOTO BY RIO DELUVIO

Sports

PSA enshrines Diaz to Hall of Fame

THE Philippines' first Olympic gold medalist, Hidilyn Diaz, will be enshrined in the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Hall of Fame. On Thursday, the PSA said the enshrinement is "for bringing pride and glory to the country with every lift she did in an outstanding sporting journey." The Zamboanga City native will be honored during the San Miguel Corporation-PSA Awards Night that will be held at The Manila Hotel on Jan. 27, 2025. "The 33-year-old lifter is just a few years removed from her historic feat of giving the country the breakthrough gold in the Olympiad during the

By Aric John Sy Cua - January 18, 2025

Genesis finds new home with Capital 1

Best player PBA never had

Akari, PLDT collide as PVL resumes games

MPBL kicks off 7th season on March 8

SGA scores 40 as Thunder roll past Cavaliers

Sabalenka battles on in Australian Open

Ovechkin sets record for most goalies scored

Poston goes 10 under to take lead

Stock Watch

Stock indices as of January 17, 2025

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Stock indices as of January 15, 2025

(From left) Governance Commission for Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations Commissioner Brian Keith Hosaka, GCG Chairman Marius Corpus, Keynote Speaker Executive Secretary Retired Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin and GCG Commissioner Geraldine Marie Berberabe-Martinez. GCG PHOTO

Governance Excellence: Celebrating Top 10 GOCCs and Most Improved Leaders in Public Service

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE SCORECARD (CGS) AWARDEE PRA officials and employees proudly accept the Top 3 ranking for the 2023 CGS, awarded by Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) Commissioners and Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin during the GCG Awards Ceremony at the PICC on Nov. 25, 2024. PHOTO FROM PRA

PRA placed 3rd among GOCCS in 2023 corporate governance

The collaborative restoration project of the SM Group preserved the Quezon Hall’s original architectural character, maintained its shape and exterior, and ensured the preservation of its historical integrity. PHOTO FROM SMFI

Preserving heritage, empowering futures

CHAMPIONING SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SM North EDSA has been operational with a 1.5MWp solar energy system since 2014. PHOTO FROM SM PRIME

A brighter 2025 for Filipinos: SM Prime evolves with renewable energy

BREAKFAST STAPLES Delight your customers with a desirable selection of classic breakfast favorites, featuring King Sue Ham’s products that have long been loved and consumed by many Filipinos, evoking memories of slow family mornings and holiday feasts. IMAGE FROM KING SUE HAM

Tmt Newswire

Elevate your menu with timeless breakfast delights from King Sue Ham

THEY say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and for a good reason. A hearty breakfast fuels productivity, sparks creativity and sets the tone for a successful day. For business owners, especially those in the food industry, offering premium breakfast options isn't just a choice; it's a game changer. And when it comes to breakfast fit for a king, King Sue Ham has been the trusted name for 95 years. Nostalgia and heritage are at the heart of King Sue's success. For nearly a century, its products have graced countless Filipino tables, evoking memories of warm

Lucky dishes from Marriott Manila, Sheraton Manila for the new year

DBM Secretary, PH-OGP leaders to convene, advance OGP agenda

Dylan Patisserie unveils Chinese New Year Lucky Spring Cake, delights

GH Mall, Pawchester to showcase grandest lion and dragon dance contest

Epson PH empowers businesses with game-changing heat-free technology

Angara prioritizes key sectors for employability boost

NHCP opens WPS exhibit at UST

S.O.S. Kumar: A laughter crisis, a national rescue, the comedy show Singapore needs

Bringing healthcare closer: How pharmacists are transforming access to vaccination in the Philippines

Hotel101-Fort hosts inaugural edition of Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Global 2025

The year one of Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Global 2025

PH team shines with gold at global science olympiad

Asia-Pacific College Multimedia Arts students at work in the studio. The academic program fuses creativity and technology to make art education relevant to the times. APC PHOTO

Campus Press

Multimedia artists in demand

By The Manila Times

The new school building built and donated by SM Foundation Inc. and SM Prime is equipped with armchairs, panoramic whiteboards, electric fans, and tables and chairs for teachers, providing an environment conducive for learning. Sta. Barbara Central School caters to almost 3,000 enrollees, 99 percent of whom are Muslim learners from four nearby villages. SMFI PHOTO

SM school building brings hope to Zamboanga

Mariano Marcos State University officials mark the higher education institution’s 47th foundation anniversary on Jan. 6, 2025, celebrating nearly five decades of excellence in education, research, transformative extension programs, generative resources and community engagement. MMSU PHOTO

MMSU celebrates 47th anniversary

Plastic pollution is seen at the Estero de Tripa de Gallina, Manila’s longest creek and one of Manila Bay’s main tributaries, a day before World Environment Day 2023. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

Green Industries

EcoWaste: Marine litter decreased by 36%

By Aric John Sy Cua

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Cagayan Valley miners oriented on biodiversity conservation

The Taal Vista Hotel. PHOTO FROM SM FOUNDATION

Taal Vista Hotel celebrates legacy of community-building

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COS unveils Lunar New Year limited-edition bags

Gela Atayde – dancing with heart and purpose in 'Time to Dance'

GMA Regional TV brings Kapuso stars to Sinulog festival

Morissette joins A1 concert in Cebu

Martin and Pops promise an '80s show like no other

Honoring Mercy Sunot through music

Music industry girds for looming US TikTok ban

The Predator Helios 18 AI brings desktop-level performance, a larger screen and top-quality immersive gaming experiences to hardcore gamers and tech-savvy consumers. PHOTOS FROM ACER

Acer raises the bar by introducing the latest features in its Predator lineup

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay heading to PH

New year, new bod

Five hacks to maintain an organized home

Eight tips for using food labels to keep kids healthy

Club Bulakeño holds 'Garden of Time' annual ball

Local airline's new QR flight codes promote traditional weaves

The Sunday Times Magazine

Coffee, creativity and community at Kape Pasinawa

January 12, 2025

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Frozen yogurt chain introduces new indulgent flavors

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Three sustainable habits for a healthier you

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MOA Arena wins 'Venue of the Year'

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Championing the Filipino Film Industry

The Manila Times CSI

Mount of Beatitudes Chapel

Expats & Diplomats

A unique opportunity for pilgrimage and tourism in Israel

Stock Watch

Stock indices as of January 17, 2025

Fast Times

Audi expands A6 e-tron lineup with entry-level model

IRR SIGNED President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (center) with Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac (left) and Marina Administrator Sonia Malauan holding signed IRRs of the Magna Cata of Filipino Seafarers. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Maritime

Seafarers' rights IRR now ready to be enforced

By Yashika F. Torib - January 15, 2025

A proposed residential apartment in Quezon City with a lower floor for economic activity. PHOTOS FROM AR. RICHARD GARCIA

Build & Design

Homeowners' preferences for 2025

By Cora Llamas - January 14, 2025

Plastic pollution is seen at the Estero de Tripa de Gallina, Manila’s longest creek and one of Manila Bay’s main tributaries, a day before World Environment Day 2023. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

Green Industries

EcoWaste: Marine litter decreased by 36%

By Aric John Sy Cua - January 18, 2025

Asia-Pacific College Multimedia Arts students at work in the studio. The academic program fuses creativity and technology to make art education relevant to the times. APC PHOTO

Campus Press

Multimedia artists in demand

By The Manila Times - January 16, 2025

Boardroom Watch

Viengvilaiphone Botthoulath, a microbiology expert, will teach farmers how to extract probiotic microorganisms from agricultural waste to provide affordable nutrients for their hydroponic farms. SEARCA PHOTO

Agribusiness

Four picked for Searca Grains program

By Leander C. Domingo - January 16, 2025