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Saturday, January 11, 2025
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Govt offices, schools closed for INC rally

By Catherine S. Valente and Francis Earl Cueto

HEADLINES: BARMM at highest risk of poll violence | January 10, 2025

HEADLINES: BARMM at highest risk of poll violence | January 10, 2025

Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. (PHOTO: MIKE ALQUINTO)

AFP checking poll bets' background

By Francisco Tuyay

Commission on Elections Chairman George Erwin Garcia and other officials of the Comelec, Department of Information and Communications Technology and Project Management iOne Pablo Yambot face the media and election observers during the data center 3 Audit, presentation and briefing held in Makati City on January 6, 2025. PHOTOS BY MIKE ALQUINTO

BARMM at highest risk of poll violence

By Franco Jose C. Baroña and Francisco Tuyay

comelec-20240717_Alquinto-09_004294

1,239 election hotspots identified

By Francisco Tuyay

AFP checking poll bets' background

BARMM at highest risk of poll violence

1,239 election hotspots identified

UNINTERRUPTED SERVICE

WATCH: Lawmaker concerned over PhilHealth 'stable' claim

UNINTERRUPTED SERVICE

WATCH: Lawmaker concerned over PhilHealth 'stable' claim

Stefi Marithe Aludo and Anthony Bjorn Castigador received the Most Valuable Player award from Palawan Pawnshop National Tennis Championships coach John Mari Altiche and Philippine Tennis Association Executive Director Tonette Mendoza. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Fuertes, Aludo dominate President's Cup Masters 8

STABLE FOOD STAPLE THUMBNAIL

WATCH: Govt eyes maximum suggested retail price of imported rice at P58/kilo

This picture taken on October 11, 2024 shows "poop master" Masana Izawa finding a spot to defecate in his forest in Sakuragawa, Ibaraki Prefecture. When nature calls, Masana Izawa has followed the same routine for more than 50 years, heading out to the woods in Japan, dropping his pants and doing as bears do. "Noguso", as it is known in Japanese, requires digging a hole, a leaf or two for wiping, a bottle of water to wash up, and twigs to mark the spot. (Photo by Philip FONG / AFP) / TO GO WITH STORY JAPAN-ENVIRONMENT-CONSERVATION-BIOLOGY, FEATURE BY HARUMI OZAWA

Japan 'poop master' gives back to nature

This image provided by European Space Agency shows close-up photos of Mercury's north pole taken by the European-Japanese spacecraft BepiColombo. (European Space Agency via AP)

Spacecraft buzzes Mercury's north pole and beams back stunning photos

(PHOTO BY ISMAEL DE JUAN)

COMELEC executive director; George Erwin M. Garcia, COMELEC chairman; Atty. Romando S. Artes, MMDA chairman; after ink a memorandum of agreement for the 2025 elections that allows the use of the MMDA Command Center and its equipment, such as deployable cameras, for monitoring during the election period on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, at the MMDA New Building, Julia Vargas Ave., Pasig City.

MMDA warns motorists of road closures in Manila for INC rally on Jan 13

pt2/news/dec3/21216_sendoff2
Photo by Russell Palma
Members of The Philippine Navy (PN) aboard the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF16) for a port visit to Cam Ranh, Vietnam from December 2 to 12, 2016 during a send-off ceremony at the Pier 13 of South Harbor in Manila. Onboard are around 300 PN personnel composing the Naval Task Force 80 (NTF 80) comprise of surface warfare students, medical team, Naval Special Operations Team, and other port visit directorate members, with Helicopter Detachment Afloat (AW109).
The purpose of the visit is to celebrate the 40th year of diplomatic relationship between the two nations and maintain ties between and among the Philippine Navy and Vietnam People’s Navy (VPN).Both Navies maintain a strong partnership in the field of maritime security and law enforcemen

Navy improves operational capability to protect PH territories

(PHOTO BY ISMAEL DE JUAN)

MMDA: Road closure on Mindanao Avenue for Metro Manila Subway Project

US President Donald Trump (R) attends a meeting with Russia's President Vladimir Putin during the G20 summit in Osaka on June 28, 2019. (Photo by Brendan Smialowski / AFP)

Trump says arranging a meeting with Putin

Photo from Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa)

'Amihan' continues to bring colder nights, mornings over Metro Manila, other parts of PH

Antonio Contreras

On the Contrary

NSC should also address human and environmental security

By Antonio Contreras

Observer

Trump to reverse Biden's energy policies, 'saving nature for man'

By Yen Makabenta

Remoto Control

Los Angeles burning

By Danton Remoto

Jaime J. Yambao

Ambassadors' Corner

China: Looking at itself in the mirror

By Jaime J. Yambao

Today's Front Page

Government must address the solid waste crisis

Doctrine of command responsibility

By Persida Acosta

Mauro Gia Samonte

My Say

US martial law no wild thought

By Mauro Gia Samonte

Al Vitangcol III

All Insight

Anti-corruption group calls out judge's inaction

By Al Vitangcol III

Anna Malindog-Uy

Headsight

Is history repeating itself? Is EO 81 a prelude to martial law?

By Anna Malindog-Uy

By Alvin Santos

Joseph E. Stiglitz

Project Syndicate

Trump is on a collision course with the US budget

By Joseph E. Stiglitz

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

BUSINESS

Net FDI up 50.2%, hits 8-month high

By Niña Myka Pauline Arceo

Members of the board of the Local Organizing Committee for the country’s hosting of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship (MWCH) 2025 buckle down to work 245 days before the prestigious tournament set September 12 to 28 at the Philippine National Volleyball Federation offices serving as the headquarters of the MWCH on Friday afternoon at The BonifacioPrime in Taguig City.
They are sports patron Manuel V. Pangilinan, Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, FIVB executive vice president and AVC and PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara, PNVF officials Tonyboy Liao and Dr. Arnel Hajan, Karl Chan, Charo Soriano and secretary-general Donaldo Caringal, Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard Bachmann and Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco. PNVF PHOTO

SPORTS

PNVF, private sector, govt unite to ensure successful FIVB Worlds hosting

Head of the Presidential Security Service (PSS) Park Chong-jun (C) arrives outside the National Office of Investigation in Seoul on January 10, 2025. South Korea's presidential security chief said on January 10 there must be no bloodshed if investigators try again to execute an arrest warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over his failed martial law bid. (Photo by YONHAP / AFP) / - South Korea OUT / NO USE AFTER JANUARY 20, 2025 01:28:03 GMT - - SOUTH KOREA OUT / NO USE AFTER JANUARY 20, 2025 01:28:03 GMT - - SOUTH KOREA OUT / NO ARCHIVES - RESTRICTED TO SUBSCRIPTION USE

WORLD

SKorea presidential security chief quits

By Associated Press

Sofia Pablo PHOTOS COURTESY OF GMA NETWORK

A new chapter for Sofia Pablo and Allen Ansay

By Iza Iglesias

Ilocos Norte Binakol - 2 to 5 common caption: The four other unique weaving styles include Ilocos Norte’s Binakol, Occidental Mindoro’s Ramit, Iloilo’s Hablon, and Antique’s Patadyong

LIFESTYLE

Local airline's new QR flight codes promote traditional weaves

Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots win against the Terrafrima Dyip, 89-84, in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate, Manila, Jan. 10, 2025. PHOTOS BY RIO DELUVIO

January 11, 2025

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and Trade Secretary Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque conduct a joint-market monitoring on various rice retail stores in Murphy Public Market in Cubao, Quezon City on Jan. 10, 2025. The Department of Agriculture also inspected the Kadiwa ng Pangulo stall which sells the new 'Sulit Rice' for P36 per kilo. PHOTOS BY ISMAEL DE JUAN

January 10, 2025

After almost 21 hours, the carriage carrying the statue of the Black Nazarene enters the Quiapo Church at 1:26 a.m. on Jan. 10, 2025. Over a million Nazarene devotees participated in the annual Traslacion which started at the Quirino Grandstand on Jan. 9. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

January 10, 2025

Civil society groups protest outside the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Jan. 10, 2025 as environmental defender Eco Dangla testifies in his petition for a Writ of Amparo and Habeas Data. Supporters urged the court to grant a permanent protection order, highlighting the need for justice and safety for environmental advocates. Dangla and fellow activist Joxelle Tiong, known critics of black sand mining, incinerators, and a nuclear plant in Pangasinan, were abducted last year. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN

PROTECTION ORDER

January 10, 2025

A woman exchanges her US dollars for Philippine pesos in Manila, Jan. 10, 2025. The peso closed at P58.36 against the dollar on the same day. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

MONETARY EXCHANGE

January 10, 2025

REPLACEMENT The Chinese Coast Guard deploys on Jan. 10, 2025 another ship, CCG 3103, to replace ‘The Monster,’ CCG 5901, its largest ship that has been lurking inside the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone over the past few days. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has repeatedly warned the Chinese vessels with radio messages against encroaching into Philippine territory. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD

Nation

'Monster ship' leaves, another Chinese vessel takes its place

AFTER nearly a week of lingering in Philippine waters, the China Coast Guard (CCG), dubbed as "the Monster, left the area off the coast of Zambales, only to be replaced by another Chinese vessel. The CCG 5901 has been playing a cat-and-mouse game with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship, the Teresa Magbanua, as it zigzagged as close as 70 to 80 nautical miles to the coastline. The Teresa Magbanua had been shadowing the CCG 5901, issuing radio challenges to the Chinese vessel that it is illegally sailing in Philippine waters. The PCG has been trying to prevent Chinese incursions into the

By Franco Jose C. Baroña - January 11, 2025

Govt offices, schools closed for INC rally

Trump to be sentenced for hush money conviction

Japan Foreign Minister Iwaya to visit Manila

Mary Jane family's birthday wish: Clemency

DSWD stays committed to poverty alleviation

Navy boosts capability to protect PH territory

PHLPost sets up new delivery hubs in NCR

Caloocan, food firm partner to hire elderly

Metro Manila, Caraga told: Adhere to pay hike

ISABELA PROCESSION Roman Catholic devotees walk alongside the replica of the 400-year-old Black Nazarene during a 10-kilometer procession from Poblacion to Alibagu terminal in the City of Ilagan in Isabela on Jan. 9, 2025. PHOTO BY VINCE JACOB VISAYA

Catholics in Isabela show devotion

Pusher yields P1M shabu in Laguna raid

Former Commission on Election (Comelec) commissioner Rowena Guanzon holds a copy of her verified answer' against a petition by Ronald Cardema of the Duterte Youth to bar her and the P3PWD Party-list from running in the 2025 elections. Guanzon showed the document at the Palacio del Gobernador in Intramuros, Manila on July 9, 2024. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

Rama's name remains in ballot in Cebu City

VITAL COLLABORATION Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba shake hands during a joint press conference in Putrajaya, Malaysia, on Jan. 10, 2025. AP Photo

Japan PM to boost ties with Malaysia, Indonesia

By Associated Press

SACRED RITUAL Hindu holy men or Sadhus walk in a religious procession of Atal Akhara across a floating pontoon bridge, ahead of the Maha Kumbh Mela festival in Prayagraj on Jan.1, 2025. AFP Photo

400 million pilgrims to join Hindu festival

Malala Yousafzai

Nobel laureate visits native Pakistan

BURNED TO THE GROUND In an aerial view, destroyed homes are seen as the Palisades Fire continues to burn in California, on Jan. 9, 2025, AFP Photo

Los Angeles wildfires death toll rises to 10

ELUSIVE PEACE This picture shows smoke rising above destroyed buildings in the northern Gaza Strip during Israeli bombardment on Jan. 8, 2025. AFP Photo

Gaza casualties 40% higher than recorded, says study

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Saudi Arabia gears up for Hajj amid severe heat

NOT GIVING AN INCH Demonstrators block policemen during a protest on the eve of the presidential inauguration, in Caracas on Jan, 9, 2025. AFP Photo

Maduro to take oath despite global outcry

Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. PHOTO FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Top Business

DA: P58/kilo imported rice MSRP to start Jan 20

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) will implement a maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) of P58 per kilo for imported rice beginning Jan. 20 in a bid to keep a lid on high market prices. The MSRP was decided after consultations with rice importers, retailers, government and law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders, the department said. Despite a decline in global prices of the grain and import tariff cuts implemented last July, local rice prices remain persistently high. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said that based on the DA's calculations, imported rice

By Giselle P. Jordan - January 11, 2025

Bank lending, money supply higher in Nov

Asia markets fall ahead of US data

Peso rebounds but stock market dips

Fed execs indicate January rate pause

When will motorists respect pedestrian crosswalks?

Copyright enforcers to 'monitor' violations

A guide to financing options for SMEs

John Hay recovery an inter-govt effort

New SEC office to boost operations in Ilocos Norte

Pertamina unit to buy into Citicore Renewable

Megawide buys out joint venture partners

Phinma completes purchase of insurer

YOUR BALL King Caralipio of Converge passes the ball to import Cheik Diallo in this Dec. 21, 2024 file photo. PBA PHOTO

Sports

Rain or Shine, Converge seek to extend win streak

RAIN or Shine and Converge put their respective winning streaks on the line against separate foes as action in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup continues on Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate, Manila. The Elasto Painters clash with the Phoenix Fuel Masters in the main game at 7:30 p.m. Converge, on the other hand, hopes to start the new year with a win and stretch its streak to five when it faces TNT at 5 p.m. Rain or Shine has won its last five games since opening the conference with a 121-111 loss to Meralco. Coach Yeng Guiao said they intend to sustain their

By Richard Dy - January 11, 2025

Hoping for a better year

Querubin: Athletes are heroes like soldiers

Tan: Tolentino leads team by example

Garland scores 40 as Cavs stretch win streak to 12

Sabalenka has 'target on her back'

ATP chief: Sinner doping case 'run by the book'

NFL playoff game moved to Arizona

International coaches hold softball clinic

Stock Watch

Stock indices as of January 10, 2025

MAGNIFICENT SEVENMAGNIFICENT SEVEN Teresa Pilapil and her team of seven achieve remarkable growth when they opened Lyceum’s Cavite campus. Starting in 2008 with 1,526 enrollees, the Cavite campus now has over 9,000 students. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOSCONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Field of realized dreams

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Stock indices as of January 9, 2025

Leaders of Megaworld Hotels and resorts (from left) Avinash Menon, Cluster General Manager, Arturo Boncato, Jr., Group General Manager, MHR; Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director, Sonny Alvaro, Cluster General Manager and Cluster General Manager for NCR+ Mario Justo, Jr.

A Year of Wins for PH's Largest Hotel Group

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. graced the inauguration of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Connector from Caloocan to España on March 27, 2023. PHOTO FROM PCO

Marcos admin cracks the knotty traffic problem

SM City Clark Lights up the sky with its annual fireworks festival. PHOTOS FROM SM GROUP

The Sky Line Fireworks Festival shines bright at SM City Clark

Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Rizalino ‘Jerry’ Acuzar, Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonia ‘Toni’ Yulo-Loyzaga, Manila Metropolitan Development Authority Chairman Romando Artes and Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna, welcome the arrival of President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. with first lady Liza Marcos, followed by scale model viewing, during the ceremonial opening of Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli (Pasig River Urban Development showcase area) along Riverside Drive of the Central Post Office in Manila on Jan. 17, 2024. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

DHSUD pushes disaster resiliency

FESTIVE FLAVORS Guests are invited to indulge in a celebration of Lunar New Year with thoughtfully crafted dining experiences and vibrant traditions at Hua Yuan Brasserie Chinoise. PHOTO FROM HILTON

Tmt Newswire

Hilton Manila celebrates year of the snake with a feast of fortune

HILTON Manila ushers in the Year of the Snake with a series of festive dining experiences, running from Jan. 16 to Feb. 10. Among its exciting offerings, the highlight this year is the Lunar Wheel of Fortune, a promotion designed to enhance the celebration with thrilling prizes from Jan. 28 to Feb. 2. Guests spending a minimum of P30,000 at Hua Yuan Brasserie Chinoise will have the chance to spin the Lunar Wheel of Fortune, where they can win exciting prizes. In addition to the promotion, Hilton Manila presents a curated selection of à la carte dishes and elegant set menus. The

PlayTime, Gawad Kalinga to build PlayTime playgrounds in PH

The secret to being a pro: A strong immune system

DBP bags citations for corporate governance

LG unveils 'affectionate intelligence' at LG World Premiere

RFM approves P200 million cash dividend to kick off 2025

Choose UNO Adventure, Holidays for hassle free travels

Acer's New Swift Go, Aspire Vero 16 Laptops feature new Intel core

'The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale' now on sale

SM Foundation, PRC QC Chapter join hands to establish laboratory

Okada Manila welcomes year of the snake with fortune, feasts, fun

GCash, Ria to provide seamless remittance services globally

Join WeKenRun at the Home Credit Takbo #ParaSaLife

English, Science and Mathematics teachers undergo training to improve learning outcomes, and in turn for students through an eight-week learning sessions program from Jan. 16 to March 10, 2025. DEPED PHOTO

Campus Press

DepEd to train English, science, math teachers

By The Manila Times

Mariano Marcos State University is the only Philippine higher education institution to receive special recognition at the Sustainable Energy Awards 2024 from the Department of Energy for its contributions to sustainable energy development during the awarding ceremony at the Makati Diamond Residences on Dec. 12, 2024. MMSU PHOTO

MMSU only HEI recognized at Sustainable Energy Awards 2024

The Southeast Asian Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture, in collaboration with the Central Luzon State University, spearheads the Introductory Training on Agri-Robotics at Tarlac Agricultural University's Farmer's Training Center to inspire students and faculty to leverage technology in advancing agriculture in the Philippines from Dec. 2 to 4, 2024. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Searca, CLSU introduce agri-robotics to TAU

Helios provides solar energy to households. PHOTOS FROM WAVEMAKER PARTNERS

Green Industries

VC funds startups that solve climate challenges

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The Clima Act: Companies accountable for climate damage

Cagayan State University (CSU) signs a memorandum of understanding with CHRG Electric Vehicle Technologies Inc., and the Department of Science and Technology-Metals Industry Research and Development Center for EV development and production. PHOTO FROM CSU OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

Building an EV base in Cagayan

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Teen beauty queen inspires confidence in youth

Alec Baldwin sues for malicious prosecution after judge dismissed case of fatal 'Rust' set shooting

'Green Bones' succeeds with tight storytelling

Investigative thriller 'Unmasked' preems Jan. 15

'The White Lotus' season 3 debuts Feb. 17

Fans eagerly await 'The Last of Us' season two

First Lady Liza Marcos attends 'Green Bones' special screening

n The four other unique weaving styles include (clockwise, from top left) Iloilo’s Hablon, Antique’s Patadyong, Occidental Mindoro’s Ramit and Ilocos Norte’s Binakol. PHOTOS FROM CEBU PACIFIC

Styles to rise to the occasion

Bing Carrion celebrates birthday, launches 47th book

Six emerging fashion innovators to watch in 2025

100 years of Pitoy Moreno

Penshoppe group names Alice Liu as CEO, Bernie Liu as executive chairman

A most classy New Year

Have a blockbuster New Year!

Le Charmé Suites - Subic hosts a Venetian Masquerade Ball. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

The Sunday Times Magazine

Unmask the rebirth: NYE Masquerade Ball at Le Charmé Suites – Subic

January 8, 2025

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PH modernism and contemporary arts trailblazers

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Eating and drinking toward wellness in 2025

Dipolog Boulevard is a scenic coastal promenade that stretches over 1.6 kilometers. PHOTO COURTESY OF AMBIBO VIA UNIQUECORNPR

Dipolog City — an underrated travel destination

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Globe joins global call for action on World Food Day for action on World Food Day

The Manila Times CSI

UNDP Resident Representative Selva Ramachandran, NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan and Australian Ambassador to the Philippines HK Yu PHOTO COURTESY OF UNDP PHILIPPINES

Expats & Diplomats

UNDP, Australia, NEDA lead 11th Monitoring and Evaluation Forum

Stock Watch

Stock indices as of January 10, 2025

Fast Times

Dodge unveils limited-run Durango SRT 392 AlcHEMI

Maritime

IMO chief: Seafarer's safety priority in 2025

By Yashika F. Torib - January 8, 2025

WAVE PROTECTION The wave return feature redirects water back into the bay, providing protection from high waves. PHOTO FROM SM

Build & Design

SM Mall of Asia Complex: A benchmark in resilience and innovation

Helios provides solar energy to households. PHOTOS FROM WAVEMAKER PARTNERS

Green Industries

VC funds startups that solve climate challenges

By Cora Llamas - January 11, 2025

English, Science and Mathematics teachers undergo training to improve learning outcomes, and in turn for students through an eight-week learning sessions program from Jan. 16 to March 10, 2025. DEPED PHOTO

Campus Press

DepEd to train English, science, math teachers

By The Manila Times - January 9, 2025

MAGNIFICENT SEVENMAGNIFICENT SEVEN Teresa Pilapil and her team of seven achieve remarkable growth when they opened Lyceum’s Cavite campus. Starting in 2008 with 1,526 enrollees, the Cavite campus now has over 9,000 students. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOSCONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Boardroom Watch

Field of realized dreams

By T. Aviles - January 10, 2025

German Agricultural Scientist Enno Bahrs (center) recently presented this research project at Searca Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna. At his left is Searca Director Glenn Gregorio. SEARCA PHOTO

Agribusiness

Project explores alternative cropping

By Leander C. Domingo - January 9, 2025