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Thursday, November 21, 2024
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BBM breaks ground for world's largest solar, battery storage facility

By Catherine S. Valente

HEADLINES: 'Mary Jane is coming home' | November 21, 2024

HEADLINES: 'Mary Jane is coming home' | November 21, 2024

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. presides over the sectoral meeting to discuss the Animal Industry Development and Competitiveness Act as presented by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., at Malacañan Palace on Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024. Among those also present are Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go, Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, and other government officials. (Noel B. Pabalate)

Marcos on clemency for Mary Jane Veloso: 'Everything is on the table'

By Catherine S. Valente

LONG JOURNEY HOME Filipina drug convict and death row prisoner Mary Jane Veloso, clad in traditional Indonesian attire, smiles during a program celebrating Kartini Day in honor of Indonesian national heroine and women's rights activist Raden Kartini at Yogyakarta prison on April 23, 2016. Veloso was sentenced to death in Indonesia on drug charges but will be handed over to the Philippines following years of negotiations, President Ferdinand Marcos said on Nov. 20, 2024, calling it a 'long and difficult journey.' PHOTO BY SURYO WIBOWO/AFP

'Mary Jane is coming home'

By Catherine S. Valente , Aric John Sy Cua and Agence France-Presse

Commission on Elections Chairman George Garcia. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

117 senatorial bets get 'nuisance' tag

By William B. Depasupil

Marcos on clemency for Mary Jane Veloso: 'Everything is on the table'

'Mary Jane is coming home'

117 senatorial bets get 'nuisance' tag

[2023]-TODAYS-WEATHER-NEW

Today's Weather, 4 A.M. | Nov. 21, 2024

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Easterlies prevail over Metro Manila, rest of PH

Calvin Oftana CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Calvin Oftana: TNT's driving force, wants team to be top contender each conference

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Only one party-list group seen to secure 3 House seats in 2025 midterm polls — survey

WINGED HOPE This handout photo taken on Nov. 18, 2024 and released by the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) on Nov. 20 shows a worker checking chick number 30 prior to being fully hatched at the facility of the National Bird Breeding Sanctuary (NBBS) in Davao City, on the southern island of Mindanao. A new life has started in southern Philippines as a fine-haired eaglet broke through its shell, shedding hope in a country with decades-long struggle of saving its species from extinction. AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPINE EAGLE FOUNDATION (PEF)

Philippine hatchling stirs hope for endangered eagle

CAREER-BEST

WATCH: UP stops UE

UP's Harold Alarcon attempts to score a jumper against UE's Jack Cruz-Dumont during their UAAP Season 87 men's basketball game at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan on Nov. 20, 2024. PHOTO BY RIO DELUVIO

Alarcon scores 33 as UP stalls UE's Final Four bid

(FILES) View a transgenic Aedes aegypti OX513A mosquito, created by Oxitec, in Piracicaba, Sao Paulo, Brazil on October 26, 2016. - Tens of thousands of genetically modified mosquitos are being released every week in Djibouti as the tiny Horn of Africa state experiments with a new weapon against an unprecedented malaria surge.
In 2019, Abdoulilah Ahmed Abdi, health adviser to Djibouti's presidency, heard about a new invention being used primarily in Brazil against a dengue-carrying mosquito.
The so-called "Friendly" mosquito, created by British biotechnology firm Oxitec, is a genetically modified male that carries a protein ensuring its offspring will not survive.
Oxitec has released well over one billion GM mosquitos in Brazil and Florida in the United States, where it targets the dengue-carrying Aedes aegypti.
Its studies indicate it can reduce wild populations by 90 percent or more. (Photo by Miguel SCHINCARIOL / AFP)

Djibouti experiments with GM mosquito against malaria

BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 19: U.S. President-elect Donald Trump attends a viewing of the launch of the sixth test flight of the SpaceX Starship rocket on November 19, 2024 in Brownsville, Texas. SpaceX’s billionaire owner, Elon Musk, a Trump confidante, has been tapped to lead the new Department of Government Efficiency alongside former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. Brandon Bell/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Brandon Bell / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

Don't say his name - Trump is the Voldemort of G20 summit

In this handout picture released by Russia's natural resources ministry on November 20, 2024, a lion is seen in its new enclosure after being transferred from the Moscow Zoo to the Pyongyang Zoo in Pyongyang. - Russian President Vladimir Putin has gifted North Korea dozens of animals, including a lion and two bears, as a sign of friendship between Moscow and Pyongyang, Russian officials said on November 20, 2024. (Photo by Handout / Russia's natural resources ministry / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / RUSSIA'S NATURAL RESOURCES MINISTRY" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

Putin gifts North Korea a lion, bears and ducks

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LOOK: UP def. UE, 77-67

Antonio Contreras

On the Contrary

By Antonio Contreras

Observer

House arrogates for itself exclusive authority of Commission on Audit

By Yen Makabenta

Remoto Control

Place and displacement in the fiction of Viet Thanh Nguyen

By Danton Remoto

Rough Trade

On to the next disappointing summit

Today's Front Page

Digital competitiveness starts with the basics

Constructive dismissal

By Persida Acosta

Jeremiah Belgica

My Law.IQ

Why every family should be concerned about the comprehensive sexual education curriculum

By Jeremiah Belgica

HARVARD VERITAS

How to live longer: Insights and innovations in longevity

Miss Trunchbull

By Alvin Santos

Michael F. Rellosa

Insurance Insights

Unlocking the potential of PH insurance industry for enhanced disaster risk financing

By Michael F. Rellosa

PROJECT SYNDICATE

The EU must break up Big Tech

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

BUSINESS

Weak growth could prompt fresh rate cut

By Niña Myka Pauline Arceo

SPORTS

Suzara named FIVB executive vice president

FIT FOR FIGHTING? North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un (center left) meets soldiers during a visit to a western operational training base in the country on March 6, 2024. FILE PHOTO FROM THE KOREAN CENTRAL NEWS AGENCY/KOREA NEWS SERVICE VIA AP

WORLD

NKorea sent more arms to Russia – spy agency

By Associated Press

Of Luss and lots of collabs

By Mark Bonifacio

Enrique Gil takes on the dual role of actor and producer in ‘Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital.’ PHOTO FROM REALITY MM STUDIOS

LIFESTYLE

An 'awesam' collaboration for dental health

By Iza Iglesias

UP beats UE The UP Fighting Maroons defeat the UE Red Warriors, 77-67, in the UAAP Season 87 round 2 match at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan on Nov. 20, 2024. PHOTOS BY RIO DELUVIO

DEFEATED WARRIORS

November 20, 2024

Members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) load food packs on the BRP Teresa Magbuana at Pier 13 in Manila on Nov. 20, 2024. The PCG will deliver 15,000 relief goods from the Department of Social Welfare and Development to the families affected by Super Typhoon 'Pepito' in the province of Catanduanes. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN

November 20, 2024

Commission on Elections Chairman George Erwin Garcia shows media how to use the automated counting machine (ACM) for the 2025 national and local elections at the World Trade Center in Pasay City on Nov. 20, 2024, day two of the national convention, which runs until Nov. 21. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN

November 20, 2024

Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers (AFAD) of the Philippines President Edwin Lim, with guests of honor, Sen. JV Ejercito and Philippine National Police Director of Civil Security Group (CSG) Maj. Gen. Leo Francisco, leads the opening of 30th Defense and Sporting Arms Show (DSAS) at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, on Nov. 20, 2024. PHOTOS BY MIKE ALQUINTO

November 20, 2024

Ramero Hinojas, a traffic enforcer in Pasay City, brings Christmas cheer to motorists as he directs traffic in a Santa Claus suit on Nov. 20, 2024. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN

November 20, 2024

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

Nation

POGO hubs disguised as resorts, restaurants

BANNED from operating by the end of the year, Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) are disguising themselves as resorts and restaurants to hide their illegal operations, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Wednesday. Remulla disclosed this when he attended his confirmation hearing before the Commission on Appointments (CA). Asked about the government campaign to shut down POGOs by the end of the year, he cited the raid in Lapu-Lapu City last August, where workers from the closed POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga, transferred. The National Bureau of Investigation director in Central

By Javier Joe Ismael - November 21, 2024

Typhoons did P1B damage to schools

Regional defense chiefs meet

SC voids Guanzon substitution

Imee defends increased NAPC budget

Recruiters told: Make insurance deposit for Bahrain job permits

Navotas hospital opens ICU, specialty clinics

CA OKs Remulla appointment

Future for children bleak, Unicef warns

P9-BILLION VIADUCT (below) NLEX Corp. officials led by president and general manager J. Luigi Bautista (right) and Pampanga 4th District Rep. Anna York Bondoc (left) are joined by local officials from Bulacan and Pampanga as they conduct an ocular inspection on Nov. 20, 2024, at the P9-billion NLEX Candaba 3rd Viaduct set to open before holiday season. PHOTO BY FREDERICK SILVERIO

Candaba viaduct to open soon

City Mayor Benjamin Magalong. Photo from Baguio City Public Information Office

Baguio wins SDG award in Asia-Pacific

Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa. Photo by: J. Gerard Seguia

Senator sees economic devt in Mindanao

PDEA nabs 7 drug suspects in Cavite

WET WEDNESDAY Jimmy Lai's wife Teresa Lai (left) and retired Chinese Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-Kiun hold umbrellas to shield themselves from the rain as they arrive at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts to attend the activist publisher’s national security trial in Hong Kong on Nov. 20, 2024. AP PHOTO

HK publisher Lai to court: I championed 'freedom'

By Agence France-Presse

People cross a street in the Omotesando shopping area in Tokyo on November 15, 2024. AFP PHOTO

Japanese, SKoreans at bottom of global love life poll

THREAT TO LIFE AND LIMB A member of the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) shows an unexploded ordnance planted by Myanmar’s military in Mantong town, northern Shan State, on Nov. 17, 2024. AFP PHOTO

Myanmar led world in landmine victims in 2023

Japanese Flag (publicdomainpictures.net)

Japanese manicurist takes on plastic pollution

LIGHT THE WAY Ukrainians light 1,000 candles to mark 1,000 days since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of their country, at the base of the Motherland Monument in Ukraine’s capital Kyiv on Nov. 19, 2024. EPA PHOTO

US 'doing everything' to extend Ukraine war

OPTIMISTIC OUTCOME? United States special envoy Amos Hochstein speaks during a press conference after meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri (not pictured) in Lebanon’s capital Beirut on Nov. 19, 2024. EPA PHOTO

End to Israel-Hezbollah war within reach – envoy

HEADS OF STATE United States President Joe Biden (right) and Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva pose for pictures during a working lunch at the Group of 20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil, on Nov. 19, 2024. AFP PHOTO

G20 summit ends with Ukraine blame game

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Top Business

Peso hits over 2-year low; stock market extends rally

THE peso hit an over two-year low on Wednesday, weakening by 10 centavos to end the day at P58.91 against the dollar. It was the currency's lowest close since the P58.94:$1 recorded on Oct. 20, 2022. That month was also when the peso hit an all-time low of P59 against the greenback. Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said the peso weakened as the dollar continued to strengthen against the major global currencies. "The US dollar/peso exchange rate is also higher amid some geopolitical risk related to the Russia-Ukraine war lately," he added. A trader said

By The Manila Times - November 21, 2024

BSP official: GCash probe finished by mid-December

P701B in 'green lane' projects OKd

JFC sees higher beverage revenues

BHI Holdings Inc. gives notice of annual stockholders' meeting

DITO CME proceeds with follow-on offer

Ensuring sustainable water for all

Unorthodox leadership and true innovation

Other incentives of the Create More law

Foreign Business

US urged to get tough on China in trade ties

Foreign Business

China fund firms slash ETF fees

Foreign Business

Indonesia raises $2.75B from Islamic bonds

Foreign Business

Japan records trade deficit for the 4th month

Calvin Oftana CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Sports

Calvin Oftana: TNT's driving force, wants team to be top contender each conference

MANILA, Philippines — TNT Tropang Giga's Calvin Oftana may have called their recent masterclass finals win a "job done" but the versatile wingman is far from the finish line. Representing every TNT ka-tropa who stays inspired and optimistic in the face of challenges, Oftanarevealed why his second PBA championship takes the game to a whole new level. "This championship is sweeter because my first title win, my wife was pregnant. Now, my child understands and enjoys the game. Seeing their enthusiasm, alongside my wife's, inspires me. Our team's journey, filled with hardships,

Gilas Pilipinas takes on New Zealand

Eala pays tribute to Nadal

Optimism helps Gagate deal with pressure in PVL

Celtics hand Cavaliers first loss of season

Nadal's sensational tennis career ends

Slovakia sets up final vs Italy in BJK Cup

Sound the alarm for 76ers

LOOK: UP def. UE, 77-67

Stock Watch

Stock indices as of November 20, 2024

Enrique-Razon-Jr

Razon defends ICTSI's Durban Port bid

Panel speakers and guests during the first day of Crew Connect 2024 in Shangri-La The Fort on Nov. 12, 2024 PHOTO BY WILMAR ALMERIA

Intl maritime industry leaders push for STCW reform

Be grateful for family. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Thanksgiving week just got sweeter at SM!

SMFI congratulates SM Scholar graduates

With the support of the SM College Scholarship Program, over 4,000 alumni have leveraged their college degrees to reach greater heights in their careers. Among these accomplished individuals is Mark Macawile (far right), who exemplifies commitment to excellence as he serves as an assistant vice president at a leading bank in the Philippines. PHOTO FROM SM

A launchpad for lifelong achievement

Pre-Christmas errands to check off your list with SM Supermalls' help

SUPPORTING EMPLOYEE GROWTH Clark Development Corp. (CDC) President and CEO Agnes Devanadera (second from left) and Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr., (third from left) sign an agreement for the facilitation of the Scholarship Collaboration for Workers Engaging in Learning Advancement or Scwela program. Also in the photo are Assistant Vice President of Administration Bonifacio Tarenio Jr. (leftmost) and City College of Angeles President Francisco Villanueva Jr. (rightmost). PHOTO FROM CDC

Tmt Newswire

CDC, Angeles City launch 'Scwela' program for employee development

CLARK Development Corp. (CDC) launched the Scholarship Collaboration for Workers Engaging in Learning Advancement (Scwela) Program to promote employee growth and professional development. CDC President and CEO Agnes Devanadera and Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr. formalized the initiative by signing an agreement at the Clark Visitors Center on Nov. 19. "This will carry you through. Your career here [in CDC] may have started, but it will truly take off when you have the right qualifications," Devanadera said, urging scholars to maximize the opportunity. The Scwela Program aimed to

PH, Indonesia to celebrate friendship through fashion, art

Soirée by Retail Lab: A festive shopping to support local brands

FlutterFlow HackFest advances SDG innovation in PH

New look, same store you love: Landers Arcovia reopens

WinZir launches 'Bet for a Cause' to support education, welfare in PH

Century Park Hotel celebrates holidays with Christmas tree lighting

Nickel Asia Corp. bags Most Inspiring Workplace Award by ACES

Ways to save on foodpanda deals this November, the holidays

A sneak peek at Ballet Philippines' 'Peter Pan'

CIAC extends relief aid in storm-stricken Batangas town

Pico de Loro Cove is set to be your #HomeForTheHolidays

Sun Life Grepa Financial Inc. hosts blood donation drive

Embassy of Switzerland Chargé d’affaires Céline Fürst and Education Secretary Juan Sonny Angara (4th and 5th from left, respectively) with representatives of Swiss Cultural Fund member companies (from left) Denya-Gracia Uy-Anastacio of Nestlé Philippines, Frank Konstanzer of Endress Hauser, Samuel Manlosa Jr. of Holcim Philippines, Christine Fajardo of Novartis Philippines, Neva Santos of Partners Group, Diana Edralin of Roche Philippines, and Cresenciano Maramot of SGS Philippines. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Campus Press

Swiss Embassy hosts career day

By The Manila Times

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SM scholars reclaim future through education post-Yolanda

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UP Architecture gets UK CAREscape project grant

Various farm equipment are distributed to qualified beneficiaries at no cost under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund-Mechanization Program. PHILMECH PHOTO

Agribusiness

Machine distribution nears 30k target

By Conrad M. Cariño

Querencia’s commercial hub will be named Azulejos, inspired by the extraordinary Paseo Nuevo, Sta. Barbara’s sprawling open-air shopping and dining center. PHOTO FROM VISTA LAND

Vista Land elevates tourist destinations in North and Central Luzon with integrated communities

La Union is stepping up its innovation on food products. Photo shows the product innovations of food producers in the province. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PHOTO

La Union steps up food innovation

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Juan Karlos stages surprise ahead of concert

BINI reimagines Christmas classic 'Joy to the World'

Ultimate K-Pop fan experience at Stray Kids World Tour

Enrique Gil and the meta magic of 'Strange Frequencies'

Winnie Cordero, Amy Perez on successfully transitioning from acting to radio hosting

'Hello, Love, Again' makes historic break into Top 10 box office hits in NAmerica

Korina Sanchez takes on new role as host of 'Face to Face: Harapan'

Amid the holiday rush, managing a cough with phlegm is essential to keep up with the season’s demands. PHOTO FROM SOLMUX

Tips for cough-free Christmas

How to get through holiday stress

Funkyfoto: Bringing Korean photobooth culture to Manila

The beauty of doing good

Rising Tigers Magazine honors 16 personalities at charity ball

Palawan Group of Companies unveils Palawan Gold

The ultimate party hack for throwing teen birthdays

Filipino science fiction author Renato Tranquilino (leftmost) successfully closed three translation deals, bringing his work, ‘Fate of a Distant Future’ to readers in Arabic, Turkish and German. PR PHOTO

The Sunday Times Magazine

Filipino sci-fi shines at the 2024 Frankfurt Book Festival

November 17, 2024

Pangilinan calls engineer Alintahin’s department ‘the dream team’ for guiding her in building her hard-earned home with hassle-free permits from the local government.

LGU helps build dream homes

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2024 Glory Award honors distinguished UP alumni

Quezon City Councilor Aiko Melendez (second from left) shows gratitude to businessman and former Governor Luis ‘Chavit’ Singson (second from right) who brought meals to her constituents. PHOTO FROM OFFICE OF CHAVIT SINGSON

Aiko Melendez graces Chavit Singson's mobile kitchen

The Typhoon Kristine response serves as DigiPlus’ largest relief effort to date, underscoring its dedication to the resilience of Filipinos and making a meaningful impact across communities.

Digiplus, BingoPlus foundations extend P37M aid for Typhoon Kristine victims

The Manila Times CSI

‘The Fabric of Friendship’ fashion show designers and distinguished guests led by First Lady Marie Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos (center), Princess Hajah Masna, ambassador-at-large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Darussalam (fifth from right) Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo (fourth from right) National Commission for Culture and the Arts Chair Victorino Mapa Manalo (fourth from left), and Brunei Darussalam Ambassador Megawati Manan (rightmost). PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

Expats & Diplomats

Brunei, PH celebrate 40 years of diplomatic ties with fashion show

By Iza Iglesias - November 18, 2024

Stock Watch

Stock indices as of November 20, 2024

The new 911 Carrera has a redesigned front and rear bumper with new adaptive matrix LED headlights. PHOTO BY PORSCHE

Fast Times

2025 Porsche 911 Carrera lands in PH

By Isaac Atienza - November 19, 2024

Enrique-Razon-Jr

Maritime

Razon defends ICTSI's Durban Port bid

By Genivi Verdejo - November 20, 2024

Querencia’s commercial hub will be named Azulejos, inspired by the extraordinary Paseo Nuevo, Sta. Barbara’s sprawling open-air shopping and dining center. PHOTO FROM VISTA LAND

Build & Design

Vista Land elevates tourist destinations in North and Central Luzon with integrated communities

Britain’s newspapers’ front pages reporting on US President-elect Donald Trump in the US presidential election are seen in London on Nov. 7, 2024. PHOTO BY KIRSTY WIGGLESWORTH/AP

Green Industries

Can Trump derail our fight against climate change?

By Ludwig Federigan - November 16, 2024

Embassy of Switzerland Chargé d’affaires Céline Fürst and Education Secretary Juan Sonny Angara (4th and 5th from left, respectively) with representatives of Swiss Cultural Fund member companies (from left) Denya-Gracia Uy-Anastacio of Nestlé Philippines, Frank Konstanzer of Endress Hauser, Samuel Manlosa Jr. of Holcim Philippines, Christine Fajardo of Novartis Philippines, Neva Santos of Partners Group, Diana Edralin of Roche Philippines, and Cresenciano Maramot of SGS Philippines. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Campus Press

Swiss Embassy hosts career day

By The Manila Times - November 21, 2024

BENJAMIN AGBULOS, General Manager, Omron Healthcare Philippines

Boardroom Watch

Cool under pressure

By Leah C. Salterio - November 15, 2024

Various farm equipment are distributed to qualified beneficiaries at no cost under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund-Mechanization Program. PHILMECH PHOTO

Agribusiness

Machine distribution nears 30k target

By Conrad M. Cariño - November 21, 2024