LOOK: Former PBB housemate Joj Agpangan now married to non-showbiz partner
Former Pinoy Big Brother housemate Joj Agpangan announced her marriage to her non-showbiz partner, Danny. She then revealed that she had applied for a spouse visa. “A lot of you are asking what my visa is, so my visa, actually, I went from tourist visa to a spouse visa because my man is very quick on processing things. He really wants this relationship to work so we got married secretly and told our parents later,” she explained. She later opened up a bit about her married life so far, saying marrying Danny has been “one of the best decisions” she’s made.
Source:Philippine Star
December 26, 2025 07:28 UTC
PhilSA warns of falling debris from China rocket launch after Christmas Day
The Philippine Space Agency confirmed that a rocket from China was launched after Christmas Day. In an advisory, the agency said that the Long March 8A rocket was launched around 7:26 a.m. from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Wenchang, Hainan, on Friday, Dec. 26. PhilSA warned of debris that may have fallen approximately 108 nautical miles (NM) away from El Nido, Palawan; 126 NM away from Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and 90 NM away from Rozul Reef as the first drop zone. The second drop zone was estimated 32 NM away from Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan, 42 NM away from Pangutaran Island, Sulu, and 46 NM away from Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. "Falling debris poses danger and potential risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through the drop zone," it noted.
Source:Philippine Star
December 26, 2025 07:28 UTC
King Charles calls for 'reconciliation' in Christmas speech
Britain's King Charles III called for "compassion and reconciliation" at a time of "division" across the world in his Christmas Day message. It seems to me that we need to cherish the values of compassion and reconciliation the way our Lord lived and died." This is the second year running that the king has made his festive address away from a royal residence. The Christmas song that ended the message was sung by a Ukrainian choir formed after Russia's 2022 invasion of their country. The king and other members of the royal family, including Andrew's daughters, attended a Christmas service at St Mary Magdalene Church on Charles's private Sandringham estate in Norfolk.
Source:Philippine Star
December 26, 2025 07:28 UTC
eTap Solutions to bring easier, more accessible financial services to Filipinos with new machines, hubs and cash-out services in 2026
eTap Solutions to bring easier, more accessible financial services to Filipinos with new machines, hubs and cash-out services in 2026The self-service payment kiosk provider gears up to make financial transactions more accessible after a productive 2025. The year 2025 has been one of eTap Solutions’ most productive yet, marked by its expansion to over 4,000 machines nationwide. Beyond providing financial services, eTap Solutions promotes financial literacy and sustainability. “Everything we did in 2025 was to enhance financial accessibility for Filipinos,” shared eTap Solutions CEO Carlo Hernandez. “The expansion of the eTap Hubs comes after the opening of the first eTap Hub in Palanan, Makati, in May.
Source:Philippine Star
December 26, 2025 05:20 UTC
Pag-IBIG Fund extends Acquired Assets Super Sale
Pag-IBIG Fund extends Acquired Assets Super SaleMANILA, Philippines — Pag-IBIG Fund has extended its Acquired Assets Super Sale until Dec. 31, giving homebuyers more time to purchase foreclosed properties at discounted prices, while adopting new rules to lower upfront costs and make it easier for more buyers to participate. Pag-IBIG Fund said interest in acquired assets has remained strong since the Super Sale began on Aug. 25, with 44,861 bids received and 18,434 winning bids recorded. The agency said that 5,074 properties will be published for auction until the remainder of the year. The extension and updated rules respond to sustained demand from homebuyers, and support President Marcos’ directive to expand access to affordable, ready-for-occupancy homes. “The demand for our Acquired Assets Super Sale has been overwhelming and very encouraging, showing how dependable Pag-IBIG Fund has become in helping Filipino workers secure affordable homes,” Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling, who chairs the Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees, said.
Source:Philippine Star
December 26, 2025 05:12 UTC
Can Marcos restore trust after ICI resignations?
‘ICI is a lost cause’: What should Marcos do now? MANILA, Philippines — Barely months after its creation, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has been reduced to a single member following the resignation of two commissioners in December. What does this mean for the Marcos administration's promised pursuit of justice in the corruption-tainted flood control projects? "The ICI is a lost cause," the Makabayan bloc said on Friday, December 26, raising questions about the commission's credibility. House Speaker Bojie Dy also promised that the ICAIC bill will be approved on the third and final reading before Congress adjourns in December.
Source:Philippine Star
December 26, 2025 04:33 UTC
Trail of evidence
Trail of evidenceFor obvious reasons, there have been unmistakable aggressive efforts in deflecting the public outrage away from the original sinners in the multibillion-peso “ghost” flood control projects. After overflowing river systems subsided, it turned out there was no flood control project done at all. The 15 contractors involved in these alleged “ghost” flood control projects in the DPWH were: Legacy Construction Corp.; Alpha & Omega Gen. Claiming he had divested his ownership shares in the family-owned company, he co-steered the approval of the 2025 GAA that contained the alleged “ghost” flood control projects. While the trail of evidence has become sordid, it does not, however, end with the death of Cabral.
Source:Philippine Star
December 26, 2025 04:14 UTC
US says it struck Islamic State militants in northwest Nigeria
US says it struck Islamic State militants in northwest NigeriaU.S. President Donald Trump makes an announcement about the Navy's "Golden Fleet", as Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Secretary of the Navy John Phelan listen, at Mar-a-lago in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., December 22, 2025. REUTERS/Jessica Koscielniak
Source:The Standard
December 26, 2025 03:42 UTC
2 killed in Dagupan explosion on Christmas Day
2 killed in Dagupan explosion on Christmas DayAuthorities investigate the explosion in the backyard of a fireworks shop in Dagupan City on Thursday night, Dec. 25, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — Two individuals were killed by a loud explosion that occurred behind a fireworks shop in Dagupan City on Christmas Day. According to the Dagupan City government, residents from Sitio Boquig, Barangay Bacayao Norte reported the explosion at around 7:49 p.m. on Thursday, December 25, prompting an immediate response from the Bureau of Fire Protection and local law enforcement. Initial reports showed that two people were killed, while two others were injured and rushed to a hospital. Dagupan City Mayor Belen Fernandez visited the site to assess the situation, saying the tragedy should not have happened and reiterating that the unsafe use of fireworks must be avoided.
Source:Philippine Star
December 26, 2025 02:33 UTC
EDITORIAL- Science-based flood control
Amid the still widening corruption scandal, government officials say certain flood control projects will resume or be implemented. You’d think using science to plan and implement flood control projects would be a no-brainer. UPRI executive director Mahar Lagmay has noted that flood control projects across the country have been carried out haphazardly, piecemeal without coordinated planning, and with some projects even exacerbating flooding. Today, with flood control projects in limbo, Congress is allocating P1 billion for UPRI as part of Oplan Kontra Baha, so the design and monitoring of flood control projects can be refined. But the flood control scandal has starkly shown how ill-prepared the country is for the devastation from extreme rainfall and flooding.
Source:Philippine Star
December 26, 2025 01:59 UTC
OFWs get balikbayan boxes after long wait
OFWs get balikbayan boxes after long waitMANILA, Philippines — Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have received their balikbayan boxes after a long wait. The balikbayan boxes are among shipments abandoned and left undelivered by freight forwarders, and are now being distributed to OFWs and their families. To hold those responsible accountable, the BOC accompanied the OFWs in filing cases with the National Bureau of Investigation on Dec. 4. At present, 15 containers of abandoned balikbayan boxes have been released and are currently being delivered, while 21 more are scheduled to be pulled out and processed this week. OFWs were also reminded to be more cautious in choosing freight forwarders, to ensure that companies are legitimate, and to avoid offers with unrealistically low fees that may lead to fraud.
Source:Philippine Star
December 26, 2025 01:30 UTC
Ping: Reenacted budget better than rushed one
Ping: Reenacted budget better than rushed oneLacson open to return as Blue Ribbon chairman, butâ?¦ Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson presides over the Senate Blue Ribbon committee hearing on flood control anomalies on Sept. 30. A reenacted budget means that government, in order to prevent a shutdown, will have to operate on the previous year’s outlay – in this case, the 2025 General Appropriations Act, criticized by many as a corrupt budget. Senate President Vicente Sotto III vowed no “blind ratification” of the budget, copies of which would be given to all senators for their scrutiny. It remains to be seen if President Marcos will sign the budget containing the controversial fund increases or veto the items. The national budget was reenacted several times when her ally, Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, was president.
Source:Philippine Star
December 26, 2025 00:39 UTC
My ‘Big Win’ in 2025
A new lease on life is my “Big Win” this year. It is also a gift from people who prayed for me before, during and after my operation. I remember asking my students with all humility to also ask their parents and siblings to pray for me. I woke up in the recovery room with two rosaries around my left wrist—and the small image of Padre Pio, a gift from my youngest brother Rod, safely tucked by my side. But I was already singing in the recovery room long before they could play my chosen music.
Source:Philippine Star
December 25, 2025 23:29 UTC
‘Philippines banking system braces for evolving risks in 2026’
‘Philippines banking system braces for evolving risks in 2026’“The Philippine banking system remains resilient, backed by strong earnings and a healthy balance sheet, despite moderating economic growth,” the BSP said in an interview with The STAR, underscoring the system’s ability to absorb shocks while continuing to support economic activity. Total assets of the Philippine banking system grew by 7.1 percent year-on-year to P28.3 trillion as of end-October, driven mainly by loan expansion, according to the BSP. “As we approach 2026, the Philippine banking system remains fundamentally sound, but we continue to closely monitor key lending segments to ensure sustained resilience,” the BSP said. Beyond credit risks, cybersecurity has emerged as one of the most significant system-level threats. “We reaffirm our commitment to protecting financial integrity, combating fraud and cybercrime, and ensuring that banking remains reliable, inclusive and accessible,” it said.
Source:Philippine Star
December 25, 2025 23:25 UTC
Project NOAH to improve hazard maps
Project NOAH to improve hazard mapsThe bicameral conference committee earmarked P1 billion for Project NOAH, which stands for Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards, sourced from the P255-billion cut in the budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). MANILA, Philippines — Set to receive fresh and substantial funding from the government, the team behind Project NOAH plans to enhance its hazard maps to include multiple flood analyses for improved planning. By incorporating multiple scenarios into hazard maps, the government can be better prepared and informed for future cyclones. UPRI provides data and technical support to the CCC on science-based risk and vulnerability assessments and disaster risk management. “With a multi-scenario analysis, you know what to expect.”Negros Occidental Rep. Javi Benitez said over 2.5 million Filipinos access Project NOAH’s hazard maps on its website during peak times daily.
Source:Philippine Star
December 25, 2025 21:07 UTC