Good day. Here are the stories for The Manila Times for Tuesday, December 24, 2024.
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READ: Palace: Reenacted budget not likely
THERE are no discussions on reenacting the 2025 national budget, Malacañang said on Monday. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and some members of his Cabinet are combing through the 2025 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) two days before Christmas. In a text message to reporters, acting Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cesar Chavez said the president received the printed copy of the spending measure only last Dec. 20, the day he was supposed to enact the spending bill.
READ: Party-list cause helps win over voters – poll
A RECENT survey has revealed that voters prioritize party-list advocacies in their decision-making. According to Tangere's Dec. 13-15 poll, the top issues influencing voter's choices include reducing the prices of goods and commodities, cited by 75 percent of respondents, combating government graft and corruption (73 percent), job creation and improving public hospital services and facilities (72 percent each), and increasing the minimum wage (70 percent). Party-lists representing specific regional demographics continue to draw strong support in their regions, the survey showed. In addition, 83 percent of respondents highlighted the significance of the nominees themselves in shaping their voting preferences. Television and Facebook emerged as the dominant sources of information about party-list representatives, cited by 75 percent of voters.
READ: Comelec confirms Amil ambush election-related
COMMISSION on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Erwin Garcia on Monday confirmed that the failed assassination of Sulu provincial election officer Vidzfar Julie Amil was election-related. He said the police have come up with leads on the identity of the suspects as well as the "politician" who masterminded the slay try. Garcia refused to divulge further details on the identity of the politician.
READ: Booklet for seniors' medicine not needed
THE booklet that allows senior citizens a discount in buying medicine is no longer necessary. On Monday, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa issued an order to do away with the purchase booklets. Herbosa said that requiring senior citizens to present purchase booklets to earn a 20-percent discount was an "undue burden."
READ: Philippine Army acquiring US missile system
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 midrange 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.
READ: DOTr assures public of safe holiday travel
THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) has vowed to ensure safe and seamless travel this Christmas season through the implementation of the Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Pasko 2024 initiative. This heightened alert initiative, which runs from Dec. 20, 2024, to Jan. 3, 2025, is aimed at addressing the surge in passenger traffic during the holiday season. In a statement, DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista emphasized the department's commitment to ensuring the safety and convenience of travelers during this peak travel period. As part of this initiative, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has been closely monitoring passenger traffic nationwide. On Dec. 23, the PCG reported managing 19,701 outbound passengers and 23,146 inbound passengers across various ports in the country. To maintain smooth operations, the PCG has deployed 2,854 frontline personnel across its 16 districts. These personnel have been actively conducting inspections, covering 182 vessels and 28 motor bancas to ensure compliance with safety protocols. To accommodate the expected influx of port passengers, the PCG has placed its districts, stations, and sub-stations on heightened alert. This readiness aims to prevent overcrowding and ensure the efficient management of port facilities.
BUSINESS: IMF: BSP has room for gradual rate cuts
Topping business, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) could gradually reduce its policy rate and shift toward a neutral monetary stance but warned of risks from supply shocks, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said. The IMF, however, noted that a "measured reduction" in the policy rate could be appropriate, considering the return of inflation to target levels and the emergence of a negative output gap. It emphasized that any rate adjustments should be cautious and data-driven, ensuring that inflation expectations remain firmly anchored within the target band. The BSP policymaking body Monetary Board has already slashed key rates by a total of 75 basis points, ending the year with rates at 5.75 percent.
SPORTS: Kai Sotto solid for Japan's Koshigaya
Over to sports, Gilas Pilipinas star Kai Sotto unleashed back-to-back solid performances for the Koshigaya Alphas in Japan's B.League 2024-2025 season over the weekend at the Koshigaya City General Gymnasium. Facing the Kyoto Hannaryz for two straight games, Sotto, 22, racked up 20 points, four rebounds, three assists and one block on Saturday. The 7-foot-3 center then pumped 18 points and 10 rebounds on Sunday to get himself an average of 19.0 points and 7.0 rebounds the past weekend. Despite his production, Sotto and the Alphas fell to Hannaryz twice, 84-92 on Saturday and 80-96 on Sunday.
READ: Opinion and editorial
Antonio Contreras, Yen Makabenta, and Orlando Mercado are today's front page columnists. Contreras talks about the controversial 2025 national budget, Makabenta wants new laws and a new map of territory and sovereign rights, while Mercado talks about the words "this too shall pass".
Today's editorial looks into how to right the ship at the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Read the full version in the paper's opinion section or listen to the Voice of the Times.
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