ICC medical team finds Duterte fit for proceedingsFormer Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is seen on a screen with his lawyer Salvador Medialdea (L) in the courtroom during his first appearance before the International Criminal Court (ICC) on charge of crimes against humanity over his deadly crackdown on narcotics, in The Hague on March 14, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — The independent panel of medical experts appointed by the International Criminal Court (ICC) to examine former president Rodrigo Duterte has found him fit to participate in pre-trial proceedings, including the postponed confirmation of charges hearings, court filings showed. He also called for the resumption of the proceedings on the confirmation of charges against the former president. Before rendering a decision on the matter, the Pre-Trial Chamber must seek further clarification,” Kaufman said in his 12-page observation. Kaufman requested for an “evidentiary hearing” to allow parties to clarify the conclusions of the experts.

IC orders insurers to report DPWH infra bondsIn a circular, the insurance regulator said that submissions should provide comprehensive information on the infrastructure bonds of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) including their current status and project identifiers. In a circular, the insurance regulator said that submissions should provide comprehensive information on the infrastructure bonds of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) including their current status and project identifiers. Last October, the DPWH and the IC signed an agreement to fast-track claims of performance and surety bonds in relation to anomalous flood control projects. “The report shall include the details of issued bonds required by or in favor of government agencies, instrumentalities, judicial authorities and government-owned and controlled corporations,” the circular read. The commissioner may also enforce sanctions and regulatory actions under existing laws for any non-compliance, including failure to report issued bonds.

The gift of timeWhat does everyone have in equal portions, whether young or old, rich or poor, male or female? As we approach Christmas which is the time for gift-giving, what is the best gift we can give or receive? Especially for our aging parents or long lost relatives, the gift of time is what everyone wishes to receive. Hide that mobile phone and focus on your gift – you are giving your time to someone special. Good and green has a Christmas episode on the gift of time.

AMLC freezes 1,193 bank accounts of contractors, congressmanOfficials of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure and the Department of Justice present to the media the P71 million surrendered to the government by individuals linked to alleged ghost flood control projects. MANILA, Philippines — The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has widened its financial investigation into the controversial flood control projects, securing a new freeze order covering the bank accounts of major contractors and a member of the House of Representatives allegedly linked to the irregularities. The Court of Appeals on Thursday ordered the freezing of 1,193 bank accounts believed to be associated with the contractors and the lawmaker, whom a source told The STAR is Rep. Edwin Gardiola of the Construction Workers Solidarity party-list. The latest freeze order brings the total tally of restricted assets tied to the flood control probe to 6,538 bank accounts, 367 insurance policies, 255 motor vehicles, 178 real properties, 16 e-wallet accounts and three securities accounts. Zaldy’s assetsWith former Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co in hiding, the government is targeting the seizure of his assets.

President Marcos on West Philippine Sea: What’s ours is oursPresident Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. leads the 90th anniversary celebration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on December 19, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos yesterday gave assurance of the national government’s sustained commitment to defend the country’s sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea amid China’s continuing harassment of Philippine vessels in the region. We stand our ground without purpose and without apology,” he said in a speech during the celebration of the 90th anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at Camp Aguinaldo. And in the same vein, we remain firm and clear with our stance,” Marcos said. Today, I acknowledge every soldier, navy, marine and air force personnel who stands watch today,” he said.

TNVS fares might go up, group warnsJeepney drivers wait for passengers along LRT-Taft Avenue and Gil Puyat stations in Pasay City during rush hour on March 20, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — Fares collected by drivers of transport network vehicle service or TNVS units might go up after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) approved the inclusion of rates for pick-up of passengers in the overall fares, the Commuters 4 Change warned. Giselle Manuel, C4C convenor, said the LTFRB’s decision to add a “fixed pick-up rate” to the overall fare in rides booked through ride-hailing apps could result in an increase in TNVS fares. She said C4C would monitor the increases in fares upon implementation of the fixed pick-up rate and the cap on surge pricing for TNVS from Dec. 20 to Jan. 4. Earlier, the LTFRB issued Memorandum Circulars 2025-56 on slashing the surge pricing rate by half, and 2025-058, which set the fixed pick-up rates from P24 to P289, depending on the type of car booked.

Market sinks as business sentiment weakensThe bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index nosedived by 1.83 percent or 110.61 points, settling at 5,920.87. MANILA, Philippines — The local stock market showed no signs of holiday cheer as it closed the week in negative territory, plummeting below the 6,000 level anew. The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index nosedived by 1.83 percent or 110.61 points, settling at 5,920.87. Philstocks Financial research manager Japhet Tantiangco said the local market declined as investors took profits amid weak confidence in the local economy’s growth outlook. “This comes as the country’s lingering corruption issues and headwinds offshore continue to cloud the local economy’s prospects,” Tantiangco said.

HPG intercepts P143 million smuggled cigarettesDILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the smuggled cigarettes were in two trailer trucks that were intercepted by HPG personnel along G. Araneta Avenue due to lack of license plates. MANILA, Philippines — Over 2,000 boxes of smuggled cigarettes valued at P143 million were seized by the Highway Patrol Group in Quezon City on Wednesday, the Department of the Interior and Local Government announced yesterday. DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the smuggled cigarettes were in two trailer trucks that were intercepted by HPG personnel along G. Araneta Avenue due to lack of license plates. Remulla said the cargo came from Bauan, Batangas and was supposed to be delivered to Valenzuela City. He added that after the seizure, three people were arrested after offering P5 million in exchange for the cargo’s release.

Pag-IBIG, Megawide partner for 7,143 housing unitsPag-IBIG said the homes are expected to be priced below typical market prices for comparable units, bringing them within the socialized housing range, with amenities more commonly found in higher-priced developments and will be available within two to three years. MANILA, Philippines — Pag-IBIG Fund has entered into a partnership with Megawide Construction Corp. to accelerate the delivery of 7,143 housing units in medium-rise residential developments under the government’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program, or Expanded 4PH. Pag-IBIG said the homes are expected to be priced below typical market prices for comparable units, bringing them within the socialized housing range, with amenities more commonly found in higher-priced developments and will be available within two to three years. The partnership will cover two initial sites in Dasmariñas, Cavite consisting of 4,185 housing units in the Dasmariñas-Salitrán site and 2,958 housing units in the Dasmariñas-Paliparan site. Megawide is a leading Philippine engineering and construction company and a strong government partner in public-private partnerships.

The funds go directly to hospitals for medical assistance,” Sotto added. In budget negotiations, Malacañang proposed P24.2 billion for MAIFIP, which the House increased to P49.2 billion. No holiday breakMeanwhile, Malacañang announced that President Marcos and executive officials will forgo the holiday break to review and sign the proposed P6.793-trillion 2026 national budget before year-end. In this case, he will make sure to carefully study and sign the 2026 national budget before the end of the year,” Castro said. The bicameral conference committee is scheduled to approve the 2026 national budget on Dec. 28, with separate ratification by the House and Senate on Dec. 29 before submission to Malacañang.

Alcantara turns over P71 million as restitution in flood control scamFormer DPWH district engineer Henry Alcantara returns P71 million in cash to the Department of Justice on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, as part of his restitution. MANILA, Philippines — Henry Alcantara, former Bulacan First District engineer of the Department of Public Works and Highways, surrendered P71 million to the Department of Justice on Friday as restitution for his role in the flood control scam. With this second repayment, Alcantara has now returned a total of P181 million to the national coffers. The restitution, tied to kickbacks in Bulacan’s flood control projects, partially satisfies his civil liability and the government's effort to recover stolen funds. He first turned over P110 million in cash to the DOJ on November 28 as partial restitution of the P300 million in kickbacks he admitted to receiving from DPWH projects.

The fixation with the graduation rate in higher educationPoliticians are increasingly fixated with examining attrition and completion rates (or graduation rates) in higher education and regularly accuse education agencies of neglecting their mandate to ensure the cost-effective delivery of government services. Completion rates in higher education show how well education systems help students finish their studies. • The graduation rate in the Philippines is the second highest in ASEAN, after Singapore (UNESCO). Second, stop fixating on graduation rates and recognize the various factors that influence whether students complete their education. But no member of EDCOM II has fought for and successfully increased the TES and TDP amount through the annual GAA since the passage of the Free Higher Education Law in 2017.

US interest in Asia: Business, not warThe Philippines and the US are close allies. The Philippines is the only and oldest defense and treaty ally of the US in Asia. It cited a December 2025 National Security Strategy (NSS) published by the White House which seems to undercut sweet “ironclad” talk. Before waging any war, America must first use diplomacy and economic leverage. The US will help, but only if it can do business, but not to buy guns for the use of allies.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)As a young professional, your greatest asset in 2026 is your inherent adaptability. By August, the focus shifts to your individual identity and personal brand. The second half of the year brings a shift toward your outward calling and career advancement. When the second half of the year arrives, doors in business will swing open with surprising speed. The second half of the year is your "Autumn Metamorphosis," where you are invited to reinvent your entire essence.

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