Science lacking in flood control projectsWorkers of a new subcontractor of a flood control structure in Barangay Sipat in Plaridel, Bulacan, lay cement and steels on September 6, 2025 amidst the downpour of rain. MANILA, Philippines — One clear diagnosis from this year’s corruption scandal is the lack of science in planning and designing flood control projects, harming communities instead of protecting them during typhoons. Congressional hearings on anomalous flood control projects revealed a harsh truth: despite receiving P545 billion over the past three years, these projects were only used as a racketeering scheme. Most existing flood control projects are only capable of handling floods with a 25-year return period, even though recent cyclones battering the country have caused floods with a 100-year return period. The DPWH has scrapped over P250 billion from its proposed 2026 budget earmarked for flood control projects, requesting Congress to reallocate the funds elsewhere.

No super flu in PhilippinesMANILA, Philippines — No case of the so-called super flu currently circulating overseas has been recorded in the country, according to the Department of Health. The health chief said senior citizens and people with comorbidities are most at risk of acquiring the strain, which can spread through the air. He noted that subclade K is being flagged abroad because it may evade protection from some flu vaccines used in winter. To identify the variants, Herbosa said, the DOH is conducting surveillance and random sampling. He said seniors and immunocompromised patients are being prioritized for flu shots to protect against the infection.

Russia says Ukraine tried to attack Putin's residence but Kyiv says Moscow is lying

Troubled Souls, Honest PrayersFather, glorify your name! I was ready to face anything.”In John 12, Jesus acknowledged, “My soul is troubled” (v. 27). He was transparently honest about His internal disposition; still He was God-centered in His prayer. — Arthur JacksonWhat experiences have prompted prayers for God to be honored? Father, please help me to face challenging things honestly and prayerfully that are for my good and will bring You glory.

Singapore firm invests P180 million in molded parts plantMANILA, Philippines — Singapore-based MNEX Pte. Ltd. is pouring in P180 million to manufacture molded parts in Batangas, according to the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA). The project will involve the manufacture of molded parts for various industries at the Light Industry and Science Park III–Special Economic Zone in Sto. For the PEZA, the project is expected to strengthen the country’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem. Headquartered in Singapore, MNEX is a precision engineering and advanced manufacturing group specializing in precision tooling, advanced molding, metal machining, automation and contract manufacturing.

Philippines, UAE to sign free trade dealMANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is set to sign a free trade agreement (FTA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in mid-January, a move expected to elevate bilateral relations to new heights. Trade Secretary Cristina Roque told reporters that the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) would take place sometime between January 11 and 14 in the UAE. The CEPA aims to expand bilateral trade and investment opportunities between the Philippines and the UAE. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that the UAE was the Philippines’ 18th biggest trading partner, with bilateral trade amounting to $1.83 billion last year. Roque said she is set to meet with companies in the UAE to discuss business opportunities in the Philippines.

Man held for jumping onto MRT-3 tracksMRT-3 security guards manning the Ortigas station were recorded in a viral video running after Eric Valdez. Netizens called him “subway surfer” and “MRT surfer.”MANILA, Philippines — A man was arrested after he jumped onto the tracks of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 last week. MRT-3 security guards manning the Ortigas station were recorded in a viral video running after Eric Valdez. Netizens called him “subway surfer” and “MRT surfer.”Valdez purchased a northbound ticket but upon reaching the platform, he suddenly jumped onto the tracks and ran toward the MRT-3 Shaw Boulevard station. Valdez was brought to the police station.

‘Politics, trade woes weigh down growth’Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said geopolitical tensions were among the biggest factors weighing on the economy this year, even as stronger anti-corruption measures have yet to be realized to rebuild investor confidence. Ricafort added that political noise, weather disruptions and earthquakes have been the major catalysts this year, including US President Donald Trump’s higher tariffs, trade wars and protectionist measures. Without these losses, former finance secretary Ralph Recto said the economy could have expanded by as much as six percent. “A budget reenactment is like hitting pause when the economy needs play; it delays projects, slows growth and risks fiscal credibility,” he said. With the expiration of the 2025 General Appropriations Act by Dec. 31, the current budget will be automatically reenacted.

Cabral computer readied for forensic examinationOfficials from the DPWH turn over the electronic devices and files of the late Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral to the Office of the Ombudsman on Dec. 23, 2025. Cabral’s computer was turned over by the DPWH to the ombudsman last week following a subpoena. Clavano also belied Leviste’s claim that the Cabral files under his possession have already been reviewed by the ombudsman. Compare copiesLeviste suggested yesterday that it would be best for all concerned if all officials and entities who have copies of the so-called Cabral files compare the contents with each other. “I believe DPWH, Ombudsman, Senator (Panfilo) Lacson, Bilyonaryo and others have copies.

Stocks close year in negative territoryThe Philippine Stock Exchange index slipped by 0.21 percent or 12.72 points to close the final trading day of the year at 6,052.92. MANILA, Philippines — The local stock market ended 2025 on a sour note, weighed down by a lack of positive catalysts. The Philippine Stock Exchange index slipped by 0.21 percent or 12.72 points to close the final trading day of the year at 6,052.92. The broader All Shares index, however, inched up by 0.25 percent or 8.58 points to settle at 3,473.24. Most sectors were in the red during yesterday’s session, with mining and oil posting the biggest drop at 1.17 percent.

Private hospitals urged to tap capital markets for funding“The financing needs of the health care sector continue to grow, whether in expanding capacity, upgrading facilities, adopting new technologies, or improving service delivery,” SEC chairperson Francis Lim said. MANILA, Philippines — The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is encouraging more private hospitals to tap the capital market for their expansion needs. As of December 2025, a total of 18 private hospitals have registered under SEC HOPES, with a total registered shares value of P19.95 billion and a total issue value of P17.05 billion. With hospitals gaining better access to capital, the SEC aims to address the acute shortage of hospitals in the country. “This is precisely why capital markets must remain open and accessible to all sectors and industries – including health care,” Lim said.

The running estimates in business circles is that our growth further slowed to only three percent in the fourth quarter. We have a government that is trying to subsist on crafty public relations rather than on substantive economic reform. Our economy’s growth performance is mainly dictated by public spending. When public spending contracts, economic growth slows. Leaks from the co-called “Cabral files” suggest that at least five Cabinet members were involved in the insertions game, along with several other private citizens influential in the Marcos administration.

Rain, thunderstorms threaten New YearPAGASA said Quezon and Camarines Norte may experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and isolated thunderstorms on New Year’s Eve as the shear line interacts with local weather systems. MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned of scattered rains and isolated thunderstorms across parts of the country during the New Year celebration due to the combined effects of the shear line, the northeast monsoon and the easterlies. PAGASA said Quezon and Camarines Norte may experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and isolated thunderstorms on New Year’s Eve as the shear line interacts with local weather systems. Meanwhile, the Bicol Region, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar and Palawan may see scattered thunderstorms. Metro Manila and other parts of the country could experience isolated rainshowers caused by the easterlies.

52% want law creating independent infrastructure probe bodyThe Independent Commission for Infrastructure, made up of Rogelio Singson, Rossana Fajardo and chairman Andres Reyes, start looking into anomalies in flood control and other infrastructure projects at the DPWH main office in Manila yesterday. MANILA, Philippines — A majority of Filipinos support the immediate passage of a law that will create a “fully empowered” body tasked to investigate alleged corruption in infrastructure projects, according to a recent Pulse Asia survey. The survey, conducted from Dec. 12 to 15, found that 52 percent of the respondents agreed that Congress “should immediately pass a law creating a fully empowered Independent Commission Against Infrastructure Corruption (ICAIC).”If enacted, the ICAIC will replace the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) created by President Marcos through an executive order. Only 35 percent of respondents from Mindanao support the legislation for a “fully empowered” ICAIC, with 24 percent saying they disagree and 41 percent undecided. Pulse Asia’s fourth quarter survey had 1,200 respondents and a margin of error of plus/minus 2.8 percent.

Diesel, kerosene prices up today; gasoline steadyIn separate advisories yesterday, Petron Corp., Jetti Petroleum Inc. and Seaoil Philippines said they will implement a P0.60 per liter increase for diesel. MANILA, Philippines — Prices of diesel and kerosene are set to go up as the year draws to a close, reflecting global price movements. In separate advisories yesterday, Petron Corp., Jetti Petroleum Inc. and Seaoil Philippines said they will implement a P0.60 per liter increase for diesel. Petron and Seaoil said they are also set to raise kerosene prices by P0.60 per liter. “The adjustments reflect the movement on prices of refined fuel products, freight and market premiums in the international market,” Jetti said.