Good day. Here are the stories for The Manila Times for Saturday, December 28, 2024.
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READ: China: PH starting arms race in region
THE decision of the Philippines to conspire with the United States in deploying a mid-range missile system in its territory could trigger an arms race in the region, China has warned. Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Mao Ning said the Philippines' decision to collaborate with the United States in deploying the Typhon missiles places the country's national security and defense in the hands of others, leading to increased geopolitical tensions and an arms race in the region.
READ: Mary Jane to share dorm with other PDLs
MARY Jane Veloso has been transferred to a regular dormitory at the Reception and Diagnostic Center (RDC) in the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City. Veloso's transfer follows the end of a mandatory five-day quarantine, Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. said on Friday. Catapang said Veloso will remain at the RDC for the next 55 days, during which she will undergo orientation, diagnostics and classification, a standard process for new persons deprived of liberty (PDLs). He said this phase is aimed at familiarizing PDLs with the rules, rights and privileges within the women's corrections system. The orientation will include crucial information on rehabilitation programs, health services, time allowances, and grievance mechanisms available to PDLs, providing Veloso and others with the tools to navigate their time in custody.
READ: Group asks Marcos: Veto 2025 budget bill
THE Nagkaisa Labor Coalition on Friday called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to veto the 2025 national budget, saying that it is riddled with "unconstitutional and antipeople provisions." In a statement, the group called the controversial budget a "corruption express train" going at full speed.
READ: South Korea's acting president impeached
South Korean lawmakers impeached the acting president on Friday, as the country struggles to shake off political turmoil sparked by his predecessor's martial law declaration that shocke d the world. Han Duck-soo took over as acting president from President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was suspended following a parliamentary vote over his move to impose martial law on Dec. 3. However, opposition MPs demanded Han, who is also prime minister, be removed from office as well, arguing that he had refused demands to complete Yoon's impeachment process and to bring him to justice.
BUSINESS: 2024 inflation seen hitting target at 3.2%
Over to business, inflation could hit 2.3-3.1 percent this month and bring the full-year average to a within-target 3.2 percent, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said on Friday. The central bank, which also announced that the current 2.0- to 4.0-percent inflation goal would be maintained to 2028, said price pressures for the month would come from the impact of recent storms as well as higher power and fuel prices.
SPORTS: Choco Mucho hopes to get its groove back
In sports, heavy favorite Choco Mucho had a shaky start in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) 2024- 25 All-Filipino Conference but looks to resolve the gaps and lapses when the season resumes on Jan. 14, 2025. Despite the struggle, head tactician Dante Alinsurin expressed his satisfaction with the team's ability to maneuver and make the best out of the situation despite not having a full healthy set of players. Choco Mucho opened the season with a loss against Petro Gazz before besting out young teams Galeries and Capital 1. The Flying Titans then suffered back-to-back defeats at the hands of formidable opponents Cignal and Creamline. Choco Mucho, however, made sure it ended the year with a victory after prevailing against Farm Fresh in a hard-fought five-setter match for a 3-3 win-loss card.
READ: Opinion and editorial
Antonio Contreras and Yen Makabenta are today's front page columnists. Contreras prefers a regulation of political dynasties, while Makabenta talks about the riddle of time.
Today's editorial says there is a pleasant surprise from a "hearing in aid of legislation". Read the full version in the paper's opinion section or listen to the Voice of the Times.
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