Welcoming 2026 with hope
Welcoming 2026 with hopeRP Manhit (chief operating officer, Stratbase Group), Ruben Camba (managing director for Southeast Asia, ACCIONA), Atty. Welcoming 2026 with hope also means accepting responsibility. The author with PAF Commanding General Lt. Gen. Arthur CorduraAnd so, we welcome 2026 with hope for ease in doing business. We welcome 2026 with hope for a modernized Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), particularly the Philippine Air Force (PAF). Lastly, we welcome 2026 with hope for increased interest and investments in the mining industry – a hope I truly radiate as the chairman of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines.
Source:Philippine Star
January 07, 2026 16:40 UTC
DOH to release MAIFIP rules vs pol guarantees
The Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) program, which covers the hospital costs of eligible beneficiaries, has been given a P51-billion budget this year. The DOH had sought a hike in the MAIFIP outlay to carry out the zero-balance billing policy in hospitals under local governments. Critics also expressed concern that the assistance makes financially challenged patients overly dependent on politicians who issue guarantee letters. “We only issue guarantee letters to private hospitals with which the DOH has a memorandum of agreement. Other than that, we do not use guarantee letters,” he added.
Source:Philippine Star
January 07, 2026 16:39 UTC
EDITORIAL — Overseeing themselves
EDITORIAL — Overseeing themselvesThe two chambers of Congress have ethics committees, so it’s reasonable for lawmakers to believe they can police themselves when it comes to the utilization of the ever-growing types of unconditional aid or ayuda incorporated into the 2026 General Appropriations Act. The same goes for the other pork giniling aid programs, such as the Assistance for Individuals in Crisis Situations, which has been institutionalized in this year’s national budget. Malacañang said the GAA prohibits elective officials from playing any role in the distribution of all state-funded aid programs. But there is no prohibition on elective officials’ endorsement of beneficiaries before the aid is released or service is provided. That’s billions in taxpayers’ money at the disposal of elective officials for their personal patronage.
Source:Philippine Star
January 07, 2026 16:39 UTC
Just one more
Fingers crossed, we won’t be in for more unpleasant developments yet again, such as another floodgate or some global catastrophe. This means that if economic growth weakens more than expected, the central bank stands ready to continue its easing cycle. The presence of Emirates and other airlines in the Philippines certainly bodes well for our economy, especially our local tourism. Having more players means the Philippines, once touted as the Pearl of the Orient, is connected and accessible and truly a worthwhile destination. December was the busiest month in NAIA’s history, with 4.86 million passengers.
Source:Philippine Star
January 07, 2026 16:39 UTC
Corruption cuts economic growth
Corruption cuts economic growthEconomic growth slowed down in 2025 to just 4.6 percent, down markedly from the hefty 5.7 percent in the whole of 2024. The four percent quarterly GDP growth rate in the third and fourth quarters of 2025 is the lowest in the past two years. Originally, the government had targeted a GDP growth rate for 2025 of 5.5 percent to 6.5 percent. In terms of lost economic production, the loss was 0.9 percentage point based on the low projected growth rate of 5.5 percent, and 1.9 percentage points based on the high growth target of 6.5 percent. In 2027, we will recover with a growth rate of 6.2 percent, maybe.”For the three years – 2025 (4.6 growth), 2026 (5.4), and 2027 (6.2) – the average annual growth rate will be 5.4 percent, a poor growth rate given that we want to be in upper-middle-income status and reduce poverty incidence to single digits, from the present 12 percent, by 2028.
Source:Philippine Star
January 07, 2026 16:39 UTC
Contemporary imperialism
Contemporary imperialismAfter the recent abduction of Nicolas Maduro, the president of Venezuela, the most important question is how this will affect other countries like the Philippines. Then during the Second World War, Japan again, after Spain and the United States, conquered our country. In the 21st century, imperialism has become more subtle and often economic or strategic, rather than territorial. The question now is whether Trump is going to continue this indirect method or return to the 19th century style of imperialism. The proclamation that the entire South China Sea is part of China is another example of Chinese imperialism.
Source:Philippine Star
January 07, 2026 16:39 UTC
Purpose beyond years
Purpose beyond yearsFour days into the new year, I find myself marking another milestone: my 62nd birthday. What purpose will guide me now that I have entered this stage in my life? On a personal note, working in my senior years gives me purpose and fulfillment. At 62, I am proud to be a working senior citizen. My birthday was not just a celebration of years lived, but of years still to be lived with purpose.
Source:Philippine Star
January 07, 2026 16:39 UTC
Headscratcher
Our counterpart funding for these projects is a contractual obligation. The government has reneged on fully providing for our counterpart funding. In addition, our unreliable counterpart funding will make our international partners hesitant to commit to further funding for strategic infrastructure our nation directly needs. From one point of view, the veto of UA items was unnecessary to begin with. The sheer scale of the looting that happened attests to how badly the Marcos presidency has guided the formation of our fiscal spending.
Source:Philippine Star
January 07, 2026 16:38 UTC
Fighting cynicism with hope in 2026
Fighting cynicism with hope in 2026According to the latest Social Weather Stations survey, Filipinos have started 2026 with a decline in hope and rise in fear, compared to last year. As a Christian nation, let us live our faith amid the disappointments and despair we may face in 2026. Not only should we keep our hope but we should intentionally spread hope. “God doesn’t come and go. He doesn’t get tired out, doesn’t pause to catch his breath.
Source:Philippine Star
January 07, 2026 16:38 UTC
Bretman Rock recalls 'disappointing' encounter with Vanessa Hudgens at Coachella
Bretman Rock has finally addressed his supposed beef with Vanessa Hudgens, sharing that his ill feelings towards her started when he encountered her at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. I met her at Coachella, and we were both there for Sugar Bear Hair. According to Bretman, he was on his way to pick up tickets for the Coachella when she spotted Vanessa talking to the CEO of Sugar Bear Hair. "I was friends with the Sugar Bear Hair CEO because I've been to his house, we would talk, and I remembered her talking to him. Let's just get that out of the way," he joked, referring to a character in the movie High School Musical, which Vanessa starred in.
Source:Philippine Star
January 07, 2026 16:35 UTC
Ex-PNP officials in ghost procurement get 40 years
Ex-PNP officials in ghost procurement get 40 yearsIn a 265-page decision promulgated on Dec. 11, 2025 but uploaded on the Sandiganbayan website only on Tuesday, the anti-graft court’s Fourth Division found five former officials of the PNP Logistics Support Service-Bids and Awards Committee (LSS BAC) guilty of four counts of violation of Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Meanwhile, found guilty of two counts each of graft were former LSS inspection officer Lt. Col. Warlito Tubon and non-uniformed personnel (NUP) supply accountable officer Eulito Fuentes. Also found guilty of one count each of graft were former LSS BAC member Lt. Col. Henry Duque and former property inspector for the Directorate for Comptrollership NUP Alex Barrameda. The ombudsman said the accused PNP officials made it appear that they purchased spare parts, engines, and transmission assemblies for the repair and maintenance of the vehicles when in fact there was no actual purchase nor delivery of the items. Instead, the accused PNP officials, in collusion with the suppliers, falsified supporting documents such as the invitation to bid, minutes of bidding, recommendation of award, purchase order, delivery receipts as well as certifications of inspection and acceptance, the court noted.
Source:Philippine Star
January 07, 2026 16:35 UTC
Duterte’s lawyer pushing for interim release anew
Duterte’s lawyer pushing for interim release anewComposite photo shows the facade of the International Criminal Court and former President Rodrigo Duterte. Duterte’s initial request for interim release was denied last year after pre-trial chamber judges determined that there is a risk that he would flee, intimidate witnesses and continue committing the alleged crimes. But according to Kaufman, Duterte’s deteriorating health should be factored in when assessing the risk factors related to interim release. The Chamber has already considered and rejected the Defense’s argument that Mr. Duterte’s health can mitigate the risks… This decision was subsequently upheld by the Appeals Chamber,” he wrote. “The alleged deterioration of Mr. Duterte’s health does not justify the need for a further expert report, nor does it constitute a changed circumstance.
Source:Philippine Star
January 07, 2026 16:32 UTC
Senators dismiss economic impact of Maduro ouster
Senators dismiss economic impact of Maduro ousterMANILA, Philippines — Senators doused fears that the US government’s capture of Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro has an economic impact, but they said it could trigger geopolitical tensions at the expense of smaller nations like the Philippines. At a press briefing at the Senate on Tuesday, Senate finance committee chair Sherwin Gatchalian said the Philippines and Venezuela have modest trade relations. Oil prices are also not likely to be affected by the US attacks in Venezuela, which has vast yet unutilized oil resources. “This is my personal opinion, but economically there is no impact, because we have little historical trade with Venezuela,” Gatchalian said. “Other countries might be emboldened to do what the US did – a regime change by force that is not done by election.
Source:Philippine Star
January 07, 2026 16:32 UTC
NGCP welcomes Terra Solar project, but...
NGCP welcomes Terra Solar project, but...Terra Solar has a total capacity of 2,500 megawatts, supported by a 1,125-MW battery energy storage system capable of sustaining output for around four hours. MANILA, Philippines — NGCP welcomes Terra Solar Power Project as a significant addition to the country’s growing renewable energy capacity, supporting national efforts toward a cleaner energy mix. “Renewable energy initiatives such as the Terra Solar Power Project are welcome. The Terra Solar Power Project will be supplying 850MW to Manila Electric Co. through a Power Supply Agreement, mainly during the daytime, while the remaining 1,650MW will be injected into the grid via the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market. As a variable renewable energy source, Terra Solar operates on a must-dispatch basis under Republic Act 9513.
Source:Philippine Star
January 07, 2026 16:32 UTC
PTA charts courses of action for 2026
PTA charts courses of action for 2026The PTA, a successful national sports association that produced 14 medals in last year’s SEA Games in Thailand – including two golds – anticipates more than 1,000 certified instructors to converge at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA) will be holding its annual National Instructors General Assembly on Sunday to chart a course for the continued growth of the sport with focus on forming formidable national team for a number of important international events this year. The PTA, a successful national sports association that produced 14 medals in last year’s SEA Games in Thailand – including two golds – anticipates more than 1,000 certified instructors to converge at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. Apart from the affiliated PTA national instructors, also expected to attend are the Regional Management Committee (RMC) chairmen and top guns of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Registration starts at 9 a.m. followed by a practical review of new Poomsae rules and Referee Hand Signal.
Source:Philippine Star
January 07, 2026 16:06 UTC