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Tuesday, December 24, 2024
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CUTTING-EDGE CYBER DEFENSES. Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang, the new Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) chief director, delivers his speech at the ACG headquarters in Camp Crame on Dec. 23, 2024. Yang vowed to build cutting-edge cyber defenses and to strengthen the ACG’s cybersecurity infrastructure by adopting advanced technologies and strategi PHOTO COURTESY OF PNP_ACG

New PNP anti-cybercrime group chief vows to build 'cutting-edge cyber defenses'

By Philippine News Agency

HEADLINES: Palace: Reenacted budget not likely | December 24, 2024

HEADLINES: Palace: Reenacted budget not likely | December 24, 2024

Philippine President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. EPA-EFE/ROLEX DELA PENA

Marcos eyes Dec 30 signing of P6.352 national budget for 2025

By Kristina Maralit and Aric John Sy Cua

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Commission on Filipinos Overseas Chairman Dante Ang II and Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, pose for photos during the Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO), in Malacañang Dec. 11, 2024. PHOTOS BY MIKE ALQUINTO

Palace: Reenacted budget not likely

By Kristina Maralit

Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

Comelec control of Sulu weighed

By Aric John Sy Cua and William B. Depasupil

Marcos eyes Dec 30 signing of P6.352 national budget for 2025

Palace: Reenacted budget not likely

Comelec control of Sulu weighed

Vietnam's first metro line opens after years of delays, construction

Police keep watch on a street in the Causeway Bay district of Hong Kong on June 4, 2024. Police patrolled on June 4 around a Hong Kong park, once the site where tens of thousands would gather for an annual memorial of the Tiananmen Square crackdown, on the look-out for hints of remembrance of its 35th anniversary. (Photo by Peter PARKS / AFP)

Hong Kong police issue fresh bounties for activists overseas

NASA solar probe to make its closest ever pass of Sun

Volunteer Lorelei King paints a heart on The National Covid Memorial Wall, dedicated to those who lost their lives to Covid-19, on the bank of the River Thames in London on December 20, 2024, as volunteers hang lights on the wall ahead of the fifth anniversary of the pandemic. - UK families of some 240,000 people who died from Covid-19 have hung festive lights on a London wall, a symbol of love, anger and pain ahead of another Christmas overshadowed by loss. (Photo by BENJAMIN CREMEL / AFP)

London wall illuminates Covid's enduring pain at Christmas

(FILES) People gather for a press conference about their opposition to a TikTok ban on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on March 22, 2023. - The US Supreme Court agreed on December 18, 2024, to hear TikTok's appeal of a law that would force its Chinese owner to sell the popular online video-sharing platform or shut it down. The top court scheduled oral arguments in the case for January 10, 2025, nine days before TikTok faces a ban unless ByteDance divests from the popular app. (Photo by Brendan Smialowski / AFP)

Trump's TikTok love raises stakes in battle over app's fate

(FILES) US President Joe Biden speaks as he hosts a reception at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 25, 2024. - US President Joe Biden on December 23, 2024, commuted the death sentences of 37 of the 40 inmates on federal death row, ahead of the return to power of Donald Trump, who has indicated that he would restart federal executions. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP)

Biden commutes almost all federal death sentences

Squid Games Guards are seen at the opening ceremony of the Los Angeles premiere and fan event for Netflix's "Squid Game: Season 2" at Los Angeles City College on December 12, 2024. (Photo by Apu GOMES / AFP)

The real-life violence that inspired South Korea's 'Squid Game'

(FILES) This handout picture released by the Panama Canal Authority on August 30, 2024, shows the container ship MSC Marie, of 366 meters long and 51 meters wide, transiting the Panama Canal in Panama. - Incoming US president Donald Trump on December 21, 2024 slammed what he called unfair fees for US ships passing through the Panama Canal and threatened to demand control of the waterway be returned to Washington. (Photo by Handout / Panama Canal Authority / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / PANAMA CANAL AUTHORITHY " - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

Is he serious? Trump stirs unease with Panama, Greenland ploys

(FILES) Dijon's Mayor Francois Rebsamen waits for the arrival of French President and centrist La Republique en Marche (LREM) party candidate for re-election for a visit to Marcs d'Or high school in Dijon, on March 28, 2022. - A number of LR ministers and François Rebsamen for the left: the composition of François Bayrou's government is ‘moving forward’ and its announcement is imminent, after a first week at Matignon fraught with controversy. (Photo by Ludovic MARIN / AFP)

France's Macron announces fourth government of the year

The US Capitol is seen on December 20, 2024 in Washington, DC. - US President-elect Donald Trump urged Republican lawmakers December 18, 2024 to scupper a cross-party deal to avert a fast-looming US government shutdown, as the White House accused him of "playing politics." (Photo by Ting Shen / AFP)

Probe finds Trump ally paid for underage sex

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 23: Luigi Mangione appears for his arraignment at Manhattan Criminal Court on December 23, 2024 in New York City. Mangione, 26, was arraigned on state murder charges in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on a Manhattan street on December 4. Curtis Means-Pool/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by POOL / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

Accused killer of US insurance CEO pleads not guilty to 'terrorist' murder

Antonio Contreras

On the Contrary

A budget that violates the Constitution in aid of getting elected

By Antonio Contreras

Observer

No greater gift to the nation: New laws, new map of territory and sovereign rights

By Yen Makabenta

Orlando Mercado

O RLY?

Lilipas din 'yan

By Orlando Mercado

Rough Trade

A case study in too much of a good thing

Today's Front Page

Heeding the clamor for a tighter ship at PhilHealth

Application of the right against self-incrimination

By Persida Acosta

Rafael Alunan III

It's time for a reckoning

By Rafael Alunan III

Michael “Xiao” Chua

Walking History

Pati pera mawawalan na ng tao

By Michael “Xiao” Chua

Ma. Lourdes Tiquia

Zilch

By Ma. Lourdes Tiquia

The City Builder

Why church patios are important in nation-building

By Arnel Casanova

Lloyd C. Bautista

Securitatem Populi

Political terrorism and violence during elections

By Lloyd C. Bautista

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

BUSINESS

IMF: BSP has room for gradual rate cuts

By Niña Myka Pauline Arceo

The Palawan Yurich Builders celebrate after winning the 18-under title of the MPBL on Dec. 23, 2024. PHOTO BY DENNIS ABRINA

SPORTS

Palawan Yurich Builders wins Junior MPBL crown

Police keep watch on a street in the Causeway Bay district of Hong Kong on June 4, 2024. Police patrolled on June 4 around a Hong Kong park, once the site where tens of thousands would gather for an annual memorial of the Tiananmen Square crackdown, on the look-out for hints of remembrance of its 35th anniversary. (Photo by Peter PARKS / AFP)

WORLD

Hong Kong police issue fresh bounties for activists overseas

By Agence France-Presse

(From left) Producer Dondon Monteverde with the cast of ‘Strange Frequencies,’ led by Enrique Gil, Rob Gomez, Jane de Leon, Alexa Miro, MJ Lastimosa, Raf Pineda and Zackaroo. FACEBOOK PHOTOS/REALITY MM STUDIOS

Cheers, chills at 'Strange Frequencies' preem

By Tessa Mauricio-Arriola

Pancit Canton Overload

LIFESTYLE

Goldilocks celebrates Christmas with two new versions of classic favorite

Catholic devotees gather at the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help in Baclaran in Paranaque City for the last of the nine-day dawn masses on Dec. 24, 2024 and before the midnight mass to celebrate Christmas Day on Dec. 25. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL

December 24, 2024

Some people make use of their holidays by visiting 3D exhibits, including a Christmas display at the Art in Island in Quezon City on Dec. 23, 2024. PHOTOS BY ISMAEL DE JUAN

December 24, 2024

The 'Kambingan sa Litex' is a lane of stalls located along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, which serves as a mini market where consumers can buy goat meat from P500.00 to 550.00 a kilo as shown in this photo on Dec. 24, 2024. It is popular for people who have goat's meat on their Christmas menu. PHOTOS BY ISMAEL DE JUAN

GOATS FOR CHRISTMAS

December 24, 2024

Fruit vendors sell green muscat and black grapes for P600 a kilo while strawberry apples sell for P200 a kilo in Manila on Dec. 24, 2024. PHOTOS BY MIKE ALQUINTO

December 24, 2024

T-shirts with 'Year 2025' printed on them are being sold in Manila on Dec. 24, 2024 ahead of the New Year. PHOTOS BY MIKE ALQUINTO

December 24, 2024

US and Philippine soldiers walk during a joint army-to-army exercise between the Philippines and the US at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija province on March 31, 2023. (Photo by Ted ALJIBE / AFP)

Nation

Philippine Army acquiring US missile system

(UPDATE) 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 mid-range 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. "It is planned to be acquired because we see its feasibility and its functionality in our concept of

By Agence France-Presse and Francis Earl Cueto - December 24, 2024

Party-list cause helps win over voters — poll

Comelec confirms Amil ambush election-related

Booklet for seniors' medicine not needed

2 Manila dining spots make iconic restaurants

Imee whips up support for Philippine film industry

New fuel price hike takes effect on Christmas Eve

Go shows support for grassroots governance

Transport chief cites NAIA improvements

4 of 13 suspects in gang rape of teenage girl fall

P3.2M shabu seized at Davao checkpoint

STRATEGIC RAPU-RAPU A coastal community in Rapu-Rapu, one of four strategic areas on Albay’s eastern coast, where the Albay Blue Lane (ABL) concept was first introduced in 2007. PHOTO COURTESY OF RAPU-RAPU MHO FACEBOOK

'Blue economy' on table as ABL renews mission

Court grants Pandi mayor's motion to quash arrest warrant

NASA solar probe to make its closest ever pass of Sun

By Agence France-Presse

Volunteer Lorelei King paints a heart on The National Covid Memorial Wall, dedicated to those who lost their lives to Covid-19, on the bank of the River Thames in London on December 20, 2024, as volunteers hang lights on the wall ahead of the fifth anniversary of the pandemic. - UK families of some 240,000 people who died from Covid-19 have hung festive lights on a London wall, a symbol of love, anger and pain ahead of another Christmas overshadowed by loss. (Photo by BENJAMIN CREMEL / AFP)

London wall illuminates Covid's enduring pain at Christmas

(FILES) People gather for a press conference about their opposition to a TikTok ban on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on March 22, 2023. - The US Supreme Court agreed on December 18, 2024, to hear TikTok's appeal of a law that would force its Chinese owner to sell the popular online video-sharing platform or shut it down. The top court scheduled oral arguments in the case for January 10, 2025, nine days before TikTok faces a ban unless ByteDance divests from the popular app. (Photo by Brendan Smialowski / AFP)

Trump's TikTok love raises stakes in battle over app's fate

(FILES) US President Joe Biden speaks as he hosts a reception at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 25, 2024. - US President Joe Biden on December 23, 2024, commuted the death sentences of 37 of the 40 inmates on federal death row, ahead of the return to power of Donald Trump, who has indicated that he would restart federal executions. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP)

Biden commutes almost all federal death sentences

(FILES) This handout picture released by the Panama Canal Authority on August 30, 2024, shows the container ship MSC Marie, of 366 meters long and 51 meters wide, transiting the Panama Canal in Panama. - Incoming US president Donald Trump on December 21, 2024 slammed what he called unfair fees for US ships passing through the Panama Canal and threatened to demand control of the waterway be returned to Washington. (Photo by Handout / Panama Canal Authority / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / PANAMA CANAL AUTHORITHY " - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

Is he serious? Trump stirs unease with Panama, Greenland ploys

(FILES) Dijon's Mayor Francois Rebsamen waits for the arrival of French President and centrist La Republique en Marche (LREM) party candidate for re-election for a visit to Marcs d'Or high school in Dijon, on March 28, 2022. - A number of LR ministers and François Rebsamen for the left: the composition of François Bayrou's government is ‘moving forward’ and its announcement is imminent, after a first week at Matignon fraught with controversy. (Photo by Ludovic MARIN / AFP)

France's Macron announces fourth government of the year

The US Capitol is seen on December 20, 2024 in Washington, DC. - US President-elect Donald Trump urged Republican lawmakers December 18, 2024 to scupper a cross-party deal to avert a fast-looming US government shutdown, as the White House accused him of "playing politics." (Photo by Ting Shen / AFP)

Probe finds Trump ally paid for underage sex

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

Top Business

Debt service burden up 17% to $13B

THE country's debt service burden rose by 16.8 percent to $12.85 billion as of the end of September from $11 billion a year earlier, preliminary data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed. Principal payments picked up by 16.8 percent to $6.93 billion from $5.93 billion, while interest payments also rose by 16.8 percent to $5.93 billion from $5.07 billion. The debt service burden includes principal and interest payments on medium- to long-term credits like those from the International Monetary Fund, loans subject to Paris Club agreements, and debt restructuring by commercial

By Niña Myka Pauline Arceo - December 24, 2024

Stocks, peso sustain rebound on rate cut hopes

BOI: 173 green-lane projects certified

AboitizPower's unsung heroes who are on duty this Christmas season to help keep the lights on

PCC OKs $3.3B buyout of power, LNG plants

Benguet Corp declares first dividend in 35 years

SNAP, GEDI China sign deal for Magat battery storage system

What does it take to change a nation?

Foreign Business

Japan watchdog accuses Google of antitrust violation

Foreign Business

Bluesky finds with growth comes growing pains — and bots

PH external debt still manageable – BSP

Analysts see fewer rate cuts in 2025

Bargain hunting may boost stock market

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Sports

Medals in Qatar

Fifteen kids were sent to the Asian Juniors and Youth Weightlifting Championships in Qatar this week and all of them went home with medals. All 15 of them. Some gold, some silver, and some bronze. What's important is they all delivered for the country. This is the message I always remind them. You come home empty and you'll be back in the woods lurking around for sometime. Unless you show me you're ready, no trips for any of you. Philippine Sports Commission under Chair Richard Bachmann has given us his trust and we MUST always deliver. Guess this should also be true

By Monico Puentevella - December 24, 2024

Langers edge Tiger, son in PNC playoff

Atalanta fights back to take Serie A top spot

Commanders down Eagles; Lions, Vikings win

Joshua bout only fight left for beaten Fury

Fonseca dominates NextGen ATP

Rockets beat Raptors for 1st win in Toronto

Kai Sotto solid for Japan's Koshigaya

NU uses Season 86 heartache to bounce back stronger

Stock Watch

Stock indices as of December 23, 2024

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Stock indices as of December 20, 2024

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Stock indices as of December 19, 2024

PUBLIC SERVICE EXCELLENCE Muntinlupa receives its 3rd consecutive Seal of Good Local Governance. PHOTO FROM THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF MUNTINLUPA

Muntinlupa celebrates the true heart of its people

THE PERFECT MIX Absolut Vodka and Sprite ready-to-drink alcoholic cocktail is perfect for the holiday season. PHOTO FROM COCA-COLA PHILIPPINES

Absolut Vodka and Sprite ready-to-drink alcoholic cocktail makes its exciting PH debut

Neky and her family (pictured), along with the rest of Barangay Bairan, put up electric-powered Christmas decorations for the first time. PHOTO FROM ABOITIZ POWER

Families in Bairan, Cebu celebrate Christmas with electricity for the first time

LEGACY ALIGNED Top Outstanding Filipino Laureates (Tofil) Chairman Glenn Banaguas (rightmost) presents the certificates of recognition to the speakers at the 2nd Tofil Laureates Conference. PHOTO BY KHRYSTYN ANDAYA

Tofil laureates cite sustainability, resilience among key factors for PH growth

First lady Liza Araneta-Marcos (2nd from left) hosts the special screening of ‘Hello, Love, Again’ at Uptown Bonifacio on Nov. 13, 2024, in partnership with Megaworld Cinema in a continued effort to champion local cinema and the creative arts. The event was graced by the stars of the film Kathryn Bernardo (center) and Alden Richards (2nd from right), alongside President of Alliance Global Inc. Kevin Tan (leftmost), distinguished executives from ABS-CBN and GMA 7, as well as key government officials. This initiative highlighted the vital role of collaboration in fostering the growth of the local film industry. PHOTO FROM MEGAWORLD LIFESTYLE MALLS

Tmt Newswire

First Lady hosts 'Hello, love, again'

Explore the life that awaits at Le Pont Residences

Year on TikTok 2024: A little creativity sparks a lot of impact

Telus PH builds leaders through mentorship, career devt programs

Condura makes Christmas 'magaan' with immersive pop-up experience

Mober, BDO sign landmark commercial EV fleet financing in PH

Chinoy actors celebrate Christmas

Marco Schlüter new vice president of IFoam

Gift guide through happiness, make it happen with TCL

MOA 360 LED: A new era of digital display in the PH

Metrobank remains ready to serve clients amid holiday festivities

CHR on the return of Mary Jane Veloso after 14 years

Hannah Kong unveils Festive Days collection, bringing elegance, joy

The EVO2 is fitted with adjustable KW racing dampers. TOYOTA PHOTOS

Fast Times

Toyota raises the bar in racing perfomance

January: Suzuki introduced the 5-door Jimny.

Breaking down 2024

Hippo Techmat basic matting.

Holiday gift guide

The Clark International Airport. PHOTOS FROM ROYAL PINEDA ARCHITECTURE. DESIGN

Build & Design

Modern PH sensibility gifted to the world

SMDC Field Residences in Parañaque. PHOTO FROM SMDC

SM's vision through an architect's lens

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Communities vie for best Belen creation

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A concern for Vice Ganda's 'And The Breadwinner Is...'

By Ronnie Carrasco 3rd - December 24, 2024

Julie Anne San Jose is 'Entertainer of the Year'

Piolo Pascual embraces the essence of timeless denim

Bong Revilla's holiday gift

Father-son action duo on balancing stardom and public service

Nostalgia, star power shine at Konsyerto sa Palasyo

MTRCB ratings for Metro Manila Film Fest entries

Victor Basa, Paolo Abrera, Jinno Rufino, Rovilson Fernandez, Wil Dasovich, Edric Dy (Timeplus Corporation Vice President for Marketing), Raissa Dy-Yam (Timeplus Corporation Vice President), Paco Sandejas, and Karl Dy (Timeplus Corporation President and CEO)

Seiko presents new Philippine limited edition watch inspired by the Whiskered Pitta

Unwrap JBL's latest drops and 100 Holiday wishes promo

See the world better this season without sacrificing style

Magic awaits at the PH's first ever Disney Store

Bringhe for that Filipino Noche Buena

Have a creamy, cost-cutting Christmas

Unwrap the season's best shopping deals with GCash

(From left) CEO of Aura Events Management Bennilyn Amigo-Molina, Myse Salonga, and Shantara Rajeev Arce during the Global Iconic Aces Award.

The Sunday Times Magazine

Artist Myse Salonga crowned Noble Queen of Culture and Arts 2024

December 23, 2024

mmff

A great, golden celebration of Filipino film artistry

For this festive season, chef Pepa Escalante (inset) prepares her version of teardrop shaped leavened bread accompanied by harissa — a North African spicy chili paste. PHOTOS FROM DLS-CSB

Naan — something new for Noche Buena

The centerpiece of the culinary spread are AlBarakah’s premium shredded corned beef and minced hash corned beef. PHOTOS FROM ALBARAKAH

AlBarakah's Arabian Nights Feast dazzles with authentic halal flavors

Banoffee Jelly Pie

Noche Buena desserts with the unassuming gulaman

The Manila Times CSI

US Peace Corps Volunteers and local community leaders visit the giant clams and vibrant coral garden of Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, as part of their five-day workshop on managing marine protected areas. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/US EMBASSY

Expats & Diplomats

US Peace Corps hosts marine protection workshop in PH

Stock Watch

Stock indices as of December 23, 2024

The EVO2 is fitted with adjustable KW racing dampers. TOYOTA PHOTOS

Fast Times

Toyota raises the bar in racing perfomance

ICTSI subsidiary TecPlata Port Terminal in Argentinahas achieves a milestone by securing certification to handle Neo-Panamax vessels.
PHOTO from ICTSI

Maritime

TecPlata to handle Neo-Panamax ships

By Genivi Verdejo - December 18, 2024

The Clark International Airport. PHOTOS FROM ROYAL PINEDA ARCHITECTURE. DESIGN

Build & Design

Modern PH sensibility gifted to the world

By Jovi Miroy - December 24, 2024

Daram, Samar. PHOTO FROM OCEANA

Green Industries

Samar project aims to reduce 40% postharvest fish loss

By Cora Llamas - December 21, 2024

The 2024 Science Film Festival, organized by the Goethe Institut and the University of the Philippines Los Baños College of Development Communication-Department of Science Communication, features the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture “Sowing Seeds: Cultivating Youth's Future in Agriculture,” a career orientation initiative encouraging Southeast Asian youth to engage in agriculture on Dec. 11 and 12, 2024. SEARCA PHOTO

Campus Press

Searca 'Sowing Seeds' youth talk show episodes featured in science film fest

By Leander C. Domingo - December 23, 2024

PORTRAIT-BRW-GERARD-CEDRIC-REYES

Boardroom Watch

Leading a new generation toward change

By Khrystyn Andaya - December 20, 2024

Photo shows the participants during the event where the Nueva Vizcaya Mango Industry Development Council was created. DTI PHOTO

Agribusiness

Vizcaya mango council created

By Leander C. Domingo - December 19, 2024