We are under-performing by choiceAcross our region, economic competition is intensifying, and we keep on falling behind. In the Association of Southeast Asian region, Vietnam is now fast becoming the destination of choice as a manufacturing hub for global supply chains. Other ASEAN countries have already aligned education, training and industrial policies. Competitiveness is a choice. First, we must invest in strategic infrastructure that is clearly defined.

Fellowship in JesusEncourage one another and build each other up. Fellowship is a key component of the Christlike life. As people dedicated to living for Jesus, we prepare ourselves for faithfulness and service as we “encourage the disheartened” and are “patient with everyone” (1 Thessalonians 5:14). Living that way, as He helps us, allows us to enjoy true fellowship and “to do what is good for each other and for everyone else” (v. 15). How can you help others experience fellowship in Christ?

Number coding lifted for 8 daysThe number coding scheme will be suspended from Dec. 23 to 25 and from Dec. 29 to Jan. 2, 2026. MANILA, Philippines — The number coding scheme will be suspended for eight days during the Christmas and New Year break, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said yesterday. The number coding scheme will be suspended from Dec. 23 to 25 and from Dec. 29 to Jan. 2, 2026. The unified vehicular volume reduction policy is automatically lifted during regular and non-special working holidays. Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon assured motorists of minimal disruption in vehicular traffic while EDSA is being repaired.

STAR travel writer launches book of dream holidaysMANILA, Philippines — “My love for travel began long before I knew it was a calling.”Thus said Christine Dayrit, resident travel writer of The Philippine STAR for 25 years now, at the recent launch of her book “60 Dream Holidays Around the World” in Makati. The 60 stories featured in the 464-page book are reprinted from her column articles in The STAR. Six continents that have shaped my heart, my craft and my courage – each one a chapter, each one a lesson. With ‘60 Dream Holidays Around the World,’ Christine, no doubt, will be the envy of all the travel writers in the country,” said Belmonte. That innate wonder in her became Christine’s compass to discover the world – including those featured in the “60 Dream Holidays Around the World.”

AboitizPower boosts growth prospects with CBK hydro dealThis follows the recent signing of an asset purchase agreement between Aboitiz-led Thunder Consortium and state-run Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) for the CBK sale. MANILA, Philippines — Aboitiz Power Corp. is gearing up for stronger growth following the completion of a P36.27-billion acquisition of the Caliraya-Botocan-Kalayaan (CBK) hydro complex in Laguna. This follows the recent signing of an asset purchase agreement between Aboitiz-led Thunder Consortium and state-run Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) for the CBK sale. AboitizPower intends to continue to use the asset for the same purpose,” AboitizPower said in a regulatory filing yesterday. PSALM president and CEO Dennis Edward dela Serna said the closing of the CBK sale reflects investors’ confidence in the country’s power sector and the government’s reform agenda.

AGI raises P1.1 billion from warrants saleAGI president and CEO Kevin Tan said the company’s warrants offering is a powerful statement of confidence, not just in the future and the enduring vision of AGI’s businesses, but also in the strength of the Philippine capital markets. MANILA, Philippines — Conglomerate Alliance Global Group Inc. (AGI), led by tycoon Andrew Tan, is further expanding its integrated resort developments after successfully raising P1.1 billion from the sale of warrants. This will help provide us with the flexibility to strengthen our leadership in each of our core businesses,” Tan said during a ceremonial bell ringing for the warrants listing at the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) yesterday. The offer was completed on Dec. 11, wherein a total of 2.2 billion issued and outstanding warrants were sold to individual and institutional/corporate investors. PSE president and CEO Ramon Monzon welcomed AGI’s successful warrants offering, which he said clearly demonstrates the strong confidence of the company’s shareholders in its growth potential.

Sara: Madriaga’s accusations ‘nothing but noise’Vice President Sara Duterte attends the House Committee on Appropriations' deliberation on the Office of the Vice President's (OVP's) proposed 2026 budget on September 16, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte yesterday dismissed accusations made by Ramil Madriaga, who claims to be her bagman, saying these were “nothing more than noise” meant to undermine her possible bid for the presidency in the 2028 elections. Bare allegations, no matter how loudly repeated, amount to nothing more than noise,” Duterte said in a statement. The Vice President said the former military agent is facing serious criminal charges and has a prior criminal record, suggesting his allegations may be a desperate attempt to secure his release from detention. The law firm maintained that the video clearly shows Madriaga’s role in Duterte’s campaign reception and said this should be considered in assessing his claims.

Ping: Cabral files have been turned over to authoritiesSenators Ping Lacson, Rodante Marcoleta, and JV Ejercito, alongside Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, continue plenary deliberations on the proposed P6.793-trillion national budget for 2026 at the Senate in Pasay City on November 20, 2025. His statement came after Batangas 1st district Rep. Leandro Leviste claimed that Cabral had shared files related to alleged insertions and had expressed willingness to serve as a state witness before her death. Matters of disclosing whatever files she shared before her death can still be done by concerned authorities at the proper time and venue,” he said. Leviste claimed he got the list from Cabral, who got the clearance from then newly installed DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon. Cabral gadgets subpoenaedThe Office of the Ombudsman has issued a subpoena directing the DPWH to “immediately turn over” all computer and other electronic devices previously issued to Cabral for forensic examination.

Freedom from hunger a fundamental right – PalaceIn a Facebook post, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said the hunger indicators among beneficiary households of the “Walang Gutom” program have decreased, with the rate dropping from 48.7 percent in October last year to 41.5 percent last March. MANILA, Philippines — Being free from hunger is a “fundamental right,” Malacañang said yesterday, as it highlighted the administration’s gains in addressing food insecurity. “Under Bagong Pilipinas, the administration remains committed to ensuring that ending hunger is a fundamental right. Building on Walang Gutom 2027, it aims to sustain progress and restore dignity and resilience to every Filipino,” the government’s lead communication arm said. The agency seeks to expand the Walang Gutom Kitchen to assist beneficiaries in Central Luzon and Central Visayas next year.

BSP urges public: Give e-aguinaldo instead of cash“Using electronic wallets and online banking offers a safe and more convenient way to send cash gifts during the Christmas season,” the central bank said in a statement. MANILA, Philippines — With the expected surge in demand for banknotes in this season of gift-giving, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is urging Filipinos to consider using digital or electronic money or e-aguinaldo instead of cash gifts to godchildren, family and friends. “The public is encouraged to transact with BSP-authorized banks for currency exchange to avoid ‘service fees’ imposed by individuals or other parties,” the BSP said. “Meanwhile, the BSP continues to produce fresh banknotes and coins to make these available in banks in anticipation of the expected surge in currency demand during the Yuletide season,” it said. “The BSP continues to produce fresh banknotes and coins to make these available in banks in anticipation of the expected surge in currency demand during the Yuletide season,” the statement read.

Philippines joins WTO e-commerce dealMANILA, Philippines — The Philippines announced its decision to accept the stabilized text of the trade Agreement on Electronic Commerce and join its co-sponsors, making the country the 72nd co-sponsor of the initiative. The agreement is an effort by a group of WTO members to set global rules for digital trade. He underscored that clear and interoperable digital trade rules can lower compliance costs, expand market access and support wider participation in the digital economy, particularly for smaller firms and entrepreneurs. “The Philippines’ decision to join the co-sponsors reflects our clear commitment to building a modern, secure and open digital trade environment,” Teehankee said. The Philippines highlighted that the country has been actively advancing digital trade provisions across several regional and bilateral initiatives.

Debt service burden slips to $10 billion in 9 monthsMANILA, Philippines — The country’s external debt service burden decreased by 21 percent from January to September this year compared to the same period last year, according to the latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. The BSP reported a lower debt service burden of $10.08 billion during the nine-month period from $12.78 billion in the same period last year, driven by lower interest payments and a significant reduction in principal payments. Of the total, interest payments slipped by 0.6 percent to $5.91 billion from $5.95 billion a year ago. The debt service burden represents the total of principal and interest payments the country makes to repay its foreign debts. Meanwhile, the debt service remained within manageable levels relative to the country’s external receipts.

No more audits… for nowOne truth universally acknowledged is that taxes are the lifeblood of the nation. This circular imposes a temporary suspension of all field audits and issuances of LOAs and Mission Orders (MO) starting Nov. 24, 2025. This applies to all BIR operating units involved in field audits nationwide, such as Large Taxpayers Service, Revenue Regions, Revenue District Offices, National and Regional Investigation Divisions, Assessment Divisions, VAT Audit Units and Sections, Office Audit Sections and any task force or committee authorized to conduct audits or investigations. Why this suspension mattersFrom the taxpayers’ perspective, the suspension provides a “breathing room” to review their filings for the past years and assess their potential gaps before audits resume. Notably, this is not the first time the BIR has implemented a temporary suspension of audits.

Solving a long-standing problem for digital workersThe US Virtual Account in GCash is a virtual account powered by Meridian Payments US that can receive funds in US dollars. According to GCash executives, this new feature was built as a direct response to what freelancers themselves have been calling for. As the country positions itself as a global hub for remote and digital work, the role of financial technology becomes critical as an enabler of opportunity. This integration ensures that freelancers don’t just receive payments faster; they can manage, grow and maximize their income all in one place, without needing multiple platforms or extra steps. A step toward real financial inclusionThe Virtual US Account reflects a broader shift in how fintech can support Filipino workers’ growth, especially as the country pushes to expand borderless work and strengthen its global digital workforce.

Asian markets rally with Wall St as rate hopes rise, AI fears easeAn electronic quotation board displays 10-year government bonds, an index of long-term interest rates on the Tokyo bond market in Tokyo on December 19, 2025. HONG KONG, China — Asian markets rallied Monday and gold hit a record high as the latest round of US data boosted hopes for more interest rate cuts, while worries over AI spending also subsided. Figures last week showing US unemployment hit a four-year high in November came as a report indicated the rise in consumer prices slowed more than expected. "This labour market softening and inflation moderation strengthened Federal Reserve easing expectations for 2026," wrote IG market analyst Fabien Yip. Gold, which benefits from lower US interest rates, hit a fresh record above $4,388, while silver also struck a new peak.