‘Demonetizing high-value notes unlikely to curb financial crimes’
‘Demonetizing high-value notes unlikely to curb financial crimes’The study argued that removing the legal tender status of high-value notes is “a blunt instrument that inflicts severe collateral damage to legitimate, cash-dependent populations,” while offering limited benefits in deterring corrupt actors who can easily shift to alternative stores of value such as real estate, precious metals, shell companies, gold and cryptocurrencies. Despite withdrawing notes that accounted for 86 percent of the total value of banknotes in circulation, the policy failed to eliminate black money or curb corruption. As of end-August, the P1,000 note accounted for 83 percent of the total value of banknotes in circulation and 41 percent in volume. Combined with the P500 note, the two highest denominations accounted for 93 percent of the total value and 51 percent of the total volume. Without these, the study warned, demonetization risks repeating costly failures seen in other jurisdictions while leaving the root causes of corruption unaddressed.
Source:Philippine Star
December 30, 2025 16:46 UTC
Clear sectoral policies seen as gateway for green investments
Clear sectoral policies seen as gateway for green investmentsMANILA, Philippines — Sector-specific policies in energy and transport are crucial to unlock private capital for the green transition, as investors need clearer regulatory detail, while stronger green force governance can provide certainty and confidence in government climate commitments, according to the Green Finance Institute (GFI). But from an overarching perspective, our recommendation is that green force governance piece, which I think will give some of that surety to the capital, the government,” he told The STAR. In its report, GFI said high costs and limited revenue streams are restricting private investment in the Philippines’ recycling, co-processing and waste-to-energy facilities despite growing waste volumes and the introduction of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation. “For me, as we see it, policy is the enabler, and finance is the facilitator of this transition. It’s about giving fine policy signals, specific policy signals, demand signals, demand signals, on a sector basis,” he said.
Source:Philippine Star
December 30, 2025 16:46 UTC
FFCCCII welcomes LOA reforms
FFCCCII welcomes LOA reformsMANILA, Philippines — The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) expressed support for Finance Secretary Frederick Go’s initiative to introduce reforms to curtail the misuse of letters of authority (LOAs) and related audit instruments of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), noting the move sends a positive signal to investors. In a statement, the FFCCCII welcomed the move, noting that it strengthens the foundations of a just and professional tax administration. Go earlier said that the government is looking at reforms, including limiting the number of BIR offices authorized to issue LOAs. For the FFCCCII, Go’s initiative directly addresses these concerns and ensures that state power is exercised with accountability and restraint. The FFCCCII said the reforms also demonstrate the Philippines’ commitment to promote a rules-based, predictable and fair business environment by protecting investors from arbitrary administrative actions.
Source:Philippine Star
December 30, 2025 16:46 UTC
ASEAN Chair
ASEAN ChairIt is the most inauspicious time for the Philippines to take the rotating chairmanship of ASEAN. As ASEAN Chair in 2026, the Philippines faces challenges balancing our South China Sea problems with regional unity, managing internal political pressures, navigating great power competition and addressing the Myanmar crisis without clear consensus. It will also be a challenge to progress on ambitious economic integration goals, articulated in 1992 with the signing of the Framework Agreement on Enhancing ASEAN Economic Cooperation, which established the goal of an ASEAN Free Trade Area. ASEAN will have to carefully navigate the treacherous waters of Big Power rivalry in the region, preferably as a regional bloc. Our ASEAN Chair duties will be made more difficult by our lack of credibility.
Source:Philippine Star
December 30, 2025 16:46 UTC
3 new EDSA busway stations up for construction
3 new EDSA busway stations up for constructionPublic utility buses pass through the EDSA Bus Lane at the Santolan Station in Quezon City on February 25, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — As part of the EDSA busway modernization plan, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) will add three new stations in Cubao, Magallanes and PITX to enhance commuter access and improve operational efficiency in 2026. “We will have three new stations on the EDSA busway because we want to improve and speed up the time and motion along EDSA for public transportation,” DOTr Undersecretary for road infrastructure Mark Steven Pastor said. The new Kamuning station on the EDSA busway is expected to be inaugurated in the first quarter of 2026. The DOTr also announced that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has finished reblocking and applying asphalt overlay along the EDSA Buendia station.
Source:Philippine Star
December 30, 2025 16:42 UTC
P4.8 million illegal firecrackers destroyed in Laguna
P4.8 million illegal firecrackers destroyed in LagunaPeople watch the destruction of seized illegal firecrackers at Camp Vicente Lim in Laguna yesterday. Gen. Paul Kenneth Lucas presenting the illegal firecrackers prior to the destruction. CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines — Up to P4.8 million worth of illegal firecrackers seized in separate police operations in Calabarzon were destroyed at this camp yesterday morning. Gen. Paul Kenneth Lucas, Calabarzon police director. Twelve people including businessmen and retailers were arrested in simultaneous anti-illegal firecracker operations across Calabarzon, Lucas said.
Source:Philippine Star
December 30, 2025 16:42 UTC
Man swept away by waves
Man swept away by wavesThe Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) launched a search and rescue operation for Jay Manzanares, 38, of Compostela Valley, who was reportedly at the Seneca Beach Resort in Barangay Ban-ao when he went missing at around 2 p.m.MANILA, Philippines — The search is on for a man who was reportedly swept away by the waves at a resort in Baganga, Davao Oriental on Sunday. Upon receiving a report about a possible drowning incident, the PCG dispatched divers from its special operations unit to search for Manzanares. However, the PCG team was forced to terminate the operation at 5 p.m. due to strong water current. The divers resumed the search at 7 a.m. the following day, this time accompanied by members of the municipal disaster risk reduction and management offices from Compostela Valley and Baganga. Vessels traveling in the area have been advised to be on the lookout for Manzanares and report any development to the nearest PCG office.
Source:Philippine Star
December 30, 2025 16:42 UTC
QCPD probes kidnap angle
QCPD probes kidnap angleA doctor from the Quezon City Police District checks on Sherra de Juan. Probers are looking into this angle after De Juan narrated that she boarded a UV Express van in Quezon City on the day of her disappearance on Dec. 10. We will let her rest first,” Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Col. Randy Glenn Silvio said yesterday in a message on Viber. De Juan arrived at her house in Quezon City at 1:10 a.m. yesterday where she was reunited with her family. According to QCPD public information officer Maj. Jennifer Gannaban, De Juan had apologized to her family and Reyes.
Source:Philippine Star
December 30, 2025 16:42 UTC
Reflections on 2025
Reflections on 2025Here we are again… at the end of an old year and on the cusp of a new one. The year 2025 was particularly challenging for me. President Marcos is squandering this advantage and, by extension, quashed our dreams of having a truly competitive economy. To anchor one’s life on money, power or appearance is foolish. History has shown us that politicians left unchecked serve themselves first.
Source:Philippine Star
December 30, 2025 16:38 UTC
EDITORIAL - Opportunities for reform
EDITORIAL - Opportunities for reformDon’t let a good crisis go to waste. For the nation, this admonition is useful in a year marked by multiple crises, whether socioeconomic, political or natural. The crackdown led to the resignation of his cousin Martin Romualdez as House speaker along with Lucas Bersamin as executive secretary, Amenah Pangandaman as budget chief and Manuel Bonoan as public works secretary. Francis Escudero was ousted as Senate president and what used to be the minority in the chamber became the majority, under the leadership of Tito Sotto. Before Christmas, contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya were in detention and former public works undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral had fallen to her death from a cliff in Benguet.
Source:Philippine Star
December 30, 2025 16:38 UTC
Marcos invites Jessica Sanchez to ASEAN summit
Marcos invites Jessica Sanchez to ASEAN summitPresident Bongbong Marcos and first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos welcome Filipino-American singer Jessica Sanchez, who recently won the 20th season of America’s Got Talent, during a courtesy call at Malacañang on December 30, 2025MANILA, Philippines — As world leaders expect “high-level” performances from the Philippines, President Marcos has invited America’s Got Talent 2025 grand winner Jessica Sanchez to perform during the country’s hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit next year. Sanchez yesterday paid a courtesy call on Marcos ahead of her New Year’s Eve performance, hosted by Newport World Resorts at the Manila Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay. We got the best,” Marcos told Sanchez. Sanchez, 30, expressed her appreciation to the President and First Lady Liza Marcos for taking the time to meet with her. In a chance interview at Malacañang, Sanchez said she is excited to take part in the ASEAN hosting in May.
Source:Philippine Star
December 30, 2025 16:34 UTC
PNP coordinating with ombudsman on ‘Cabral files’
PNP coordinating with ombudsman on ‘Cabral files’“There is already advance information on what kind of assistance the ombudsman needs (from the ACG),” PNP spokesman Brig. “There is already advance information on what kind of assistance the ombudsman needs (from the ACG),” PNP spokesman Brig. The ombudsman has yet to turn over computers to the ACG for examination. Tuaño said the ACG is capable of retrieving files even if these were deleted from computers and other gadgets. AuthenticationMeanwhile, Batangas 1st district Rep. Leandro Leviste vehemently denied allegations that he illegally obtained the Cabral files from the Department of Public Works and Highways, even as he thanked the DPWH for confirming the authenticity of the files given to him.
Source:Philippine Star
December 30, 2025 16:34 UTC
Fireworks-related injuries hit 140 – DOH
Fireworks-related injuries hit 140 – DOHMembers of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal/K-9 group inspect confiscated illegal firecrackers at the Manila Police District (MPD) on December 30, 2025MANILA, Philippines — A day before New Year’s Eve, the Department of Health (DOH) has recorded a total of 140 cases of fireworks-related injuries (FWRI), with a majority of the victims males aged five to 14 years. The FWRI cases were recorded from Dec. 21 to early morning of Dec. 30, data from 62 DOH sentinel hospitals showed. The top three regions that recorded FWRI cases are Metro Manila with 60 cases, Western Visayas with 14 and Central Luzon with 13. “All fireworks injuries are dirty wounds and tetanus-prone wounds. DestroyedAround 28,296 assorted illegal firecrackers worth P4.8 million were destroyed yesterday morning at the Police Regional Office IV-A in Camp Vicente Lim, Calamba, Laguna.
Source:Philippine Star
December 30, 2025 16:34 UTC
Pulse: Sara approval, trust ratings higher than Marcos
Pulse: Sara approval, trust ratings higher than MarcosPresident Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte react while attending Brigada Eskwela, an education-event of the Office of the Vice President on August 14, 2023 in Manila. MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte has again obtained higher approval and trust ratings than President Marcos, the fourth quarter survey conducted by Pulse Asia showed. In terms of trust, Marcos obtained a rating of 32 percent, down from 34 percent in the previous survey. Across areas, Marcos obtained his highest approval ratings among respondents in balance Luzon at 51 percent. Like in previous polls, the Vice President obtained approval and trust ratings of 95 percent and 95 percent, respectively, in her bailiwick Mindanao.
Source:Philippine Star
December 30, 2025 16:34 UTC
National Security
National security forms the basis for a country’s existence and development. The implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law ("the HKNSL") is an important milestone in the undertaking of "One Country, Two Systems". With the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance ("the SNSO") in effect, the rights and freedoms of the HKSAR residents and of other persons in Hong Kong are even better protected while the economy of Hong Kong is picking up. This dedicated website presents information of HKNSL and SNSO in a clear and simple way, highlighting the significance of national security principles and relevant laws for Hong Kong.
Source:The Standard
December 30, 2025 14:54 UTC