Bicam restores unprogrammed funds to P243 billionLawmakers pose for a photo after bicam sessions wrap up on December 18, 2025. In the Senate-approved General Appropriations Bill, unprogrammed appropriations were reduced to P174.55 billion – P68.66 billion lower than the House-approved allocation of P243.22 billion. From the House-approved allocation of P243.2 billion, the bicam raised the UA to P243.4 – an increase of about P178.1 million. There are guidelines and rules in place to prevent the funds to be diverted to flood control,” Gatchalian said. Calls to strengthen congressional oversight have grown following repeated findings of irregularities in major infrastructure and assistance programs, particularly flood control projects and lump-sum funds.

3 weather systems bring rainsThe easterlies will become a dominant weather system in several areas, while weather in extreme northern Luzon and southern Mindanao will be affected by the northeast monsoon and the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ). MANILA, Philippines — Most parts of the country may expect rainy weather this week due to three weather systems, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). The easterlies will become a dominant weather system in several areas, while weather in extreme northern Luzon and southern Mindanao will be affected by the northeast monsoon and the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ). Batanes may also experience cloudy and rainy weather because of the northeast monsoon. Despite the prediction of rains, PAGASA noted it has not monitored any low-pressure area within the Philippine area of responsibility.

Photo by STR / AFP. Members of the Royal Malaysia Police display seized illegal drugs and drug-making equipment during a press conference in Kuala Lumpur on December 20, 2025.

Expect lower fuel prices ahead of ChristmasOil firms are projected to roll back gasoline prices by P0.60 to P0.80 per liter, diesel by P1 to P1.20 per liter and kerosene by around P1.75 per liter, according to industry experts. MANILA, Philippines — Motorists can expect some holiday relief at the pump this week, with diesel prices set to drop by at least P1 per liter ahead of Christmas. Oil firms are projected to roll back gasoline prices by P0.60 to P0.80 per liter, diesel by P1 to P1.20 per liter and kerosene by around P1.75 per liter, according to industry experts. The estimates reflect the trading results in the Mean of Platts Singapore over the past days. Last Tuesday, gasoline prices climbed by P0.20 per liter, while diesel and kerosene went down by P0.20 per liter.

First Philippines Handloom Weaving Festival a successThe event was part of the 2025 National Science, Technology and Innovation Week (NSTW) and organized by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST–PTRI), in partnership with the provincial government of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Norte Tourism, Cebu Pacific Air, Robinsons Ilocos and the Local Government of Taguig. MANILA, Philippines — The first-ever Philippine Handloom Weaving Festival (PHWF) gathered more than 120 weavers from over 40 weaving communities and textile enthusiasts to foster a learning and cultural space where weaving communities, researchers, designers and experts converge to expand their knowledge and push the boundaries of traditional handloom weaving industry. The festival ran from Nov. 19 to 22, 2025, at the Robinsons Ilocos, Ilocos Norte, featuring a series of events designed to advance knowledge-sharing and strengthen weaving communities nationwide. The event was held in partnership with the provincial government of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Norte Tourism, Cebu Pacific Air, Robinsons Ilocos and the local Government of Taguig. Techno Demo Weaving Workshop – hands-on demonstrations of weaving techniques and textile technologies.

Criminal tax probes to continue despite audit suspension – BIRIn line with the agency’s legal obligation, the BIR said the investigations would continue because they involve potential tax fraud, which the agency is legally mandated to pursue without delay. MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) clarified that its suspension of memoranda orders and issuance of letters of authority does not cover investigations involving criminal tax fraud, which will continue if supported by intelligence or risk indicators. “The suspension does not apply to criminal tax investigations,” the tax agency said. Furthermore, the suspension does not apply to taxpayers seeking refunds, as claims or applications for tax refunds are exempt and will continue to be processed by the relevant authorities. The tax agency may continue verifying withholding and related taxes on real property sales, as these checks ensure proper tax imposition and are among the exceptions allowed to proceed even during the suspension period.

How surveillance technology and the 'Reddit Detective Agency' helped search for a killerThis image provided by Providence Police Dept. shows surveillance images of Claudio Neves Valente, a suspect in the mass shooting at Brown University. (Providence Police Dept.

A woman who said she was making a video to be posted on TikTok, poses in a booth that swirls a mobile phone around 360 degrees in Times Square in New York City, New York, U.S., March 13, 2024. REUTERS/Mike Segar

Congratulations are in order for Gisele Bündchen and Jiu-jitsu instructor Joaquim Valente! Though the model initially denied the rumors, a source told People in February 2024 that their bond has since evolved into a romance. Another source noted that Valente “was a huge comfort" for Bündchen, who was going through a divorce. By October 2024, news broke that Bündchen was expecting her first child with Valente. They officially welcomed their baby boy early this year, joining Bündchen’s two children with Brady: 15-year-old Benjamin Rein and 12-year-old Vivian Lake.

The Pag-IBIG Fund is extending its Acquired Assets Super Sale until Dec. 31. Launched earlier this year, the sale applies to properties published for auction or direct purchase from Aug. 25 to Dec. 31, 2025. Both Pag-IBIG Fund members and non-members can bid on the sale. Bidding is done online through the Pag-IBIG Fund website’s public auction. Discounts are available for properties listed for first and second public auctions, negotiated sales, and direct purchase.

Google warns staff with US visas against international travel due to embassy delaysA Google logo is seen at a company research facility in Mountain View, California, U.S., May 13, 2025. REUTERS/Carlos Barria

Filipino laboratory scientist recognized for work in blood bankingROMBLON, Philippines — A Filipino expert in laboratory medicine has continued to draw recognition locally and abroad for work in Immunohematology and Transfusion Medicine, a field vital to patient safety and modern healthcare systems. Mark Angel Dela Cruz Magracia holds professional credentials, including MPHc, RMT and MLS (ASCPi) SBBiCM, reflecting advanced academic training and international certification in laboratory medicine and blood banking. The ASCP is among the largest global organizations in laboratory medicine, convening specialists in pathology, transfusion medicine, diagnostics and clinical laboratory science. Magracia currently serves as System Blood Bank and Transfusion Services Technical Specialist and Team Lead of the Legacy Health Central Blood Bank in the Pacific Northwest, United States. Across healthcare institutions in the Philippines, the United States and the global laboratory medicine community, Magracia’s work continues to demonstrate a long-term commitment to transfusion safety, professional education and evidence-based laboratory practice.

The seal of the US Department of State is seen on the lectern during an end-of-year press conference in the State Department Press Briefing Room in Washington, DC on December 19, 2025. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP)

Sultan Kudarat residents surrender 36 firearms, grenades to ArmyThe firearms and explosives surrendered by residents of Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, are now in the joint custody of the Army's 7th Infantry Battalion and 603rd Infantry Brigade. COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Villagers in upland agricultural enclaves in Bagumbayan town in Sultan Kudarat surrendered 38 firearms and 10 fragmentation grenades to an Army unit on Friday, December 19, in support of a regional military disarmament campaign. Cagara said the firearms and explosives were turned over by owners to the 7th IB through the joint intercession of its commanding officer, Lt. Col. Lt. Col. Tristan Rey Vallescas, Brig. Gen. Michael Santos, commander of the 603rd Infantry Brigade, municipal and barangay officials in Bagumbayan. “We appreciate the gesture of the owners of the firearms and grenades.

Search warrant served on hotel where Cabral allegedly checked in before deathBAGUIO CITY, Philippines — A search warrant was issued mid-afternoon Saturday, December 20, after authorities were initially denied access to CCTV footage and other documents related to former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Ma. They had allegedly checked in midday Thursday, December 18, several hours before Cabral was found dead along a 20-30 meter ravine along Kennon in Tuba, Benguet. It also emphasized that the law prohibits the disclosure of personal information without proper legal authority. Though Ion Hotel also stated that it is fully cooperating with the appropriate authorities and will provide any information that may be lawfully required through proper legal channels. At around 4 p.m., a search warrant by Regional Trial Court Executive Judge Michael Francisco was obtained, allowing police investigators and National Bureau of Investigation-Cordillera agents to sift through the hotel records and other documents that may lead probers to some answers in the controversial death of Cabral.