Grade 7 student receives hollow block, blouse as exchange gifts
Grade 7 student receives hollow block, blouse as exchange giftsA Grade 7 student's Christmas party story goes viral after he unboxes a hollow block and blouse inside his exchange gift. MANILA, Philippines — A Grade 7 student’s Christmas party memory turned painful after he received a hollow block and a blouse as exchange gifts. The mother showed the unwrapped Christmas exchange gift, which contained a hollow block and a pink blouse she estimated to be worth P50. Her son’s class was instructed to prepare a P200 exchange gift for their Christmas party. The mother said that when she met with the guardians of the student who gave the viral exchange gift, they apologized for the incident.
Source:Philippine Star
December 22, 2025 04:09 UTC
VP Sara: Madriaga's claims meant to derail my 'possible' presidential run
VP Sara: Madriaga's claims meant to derail my 'possible' presidential runVice President Sara Duterte attends the House Committee on Appropriations' deliberation on the Office of the Vice President's (OVP's) proposed 2026 budget on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025. In his affidavit, Madriaga claims that Duterte's campaign in 2022 was bankrolled by alleged drug dealers and Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). He claims to have personally handled the delivery of large sums to Duterte's supposed campaign financiers. Besides these allegations, Madriaga's camp has also accused Duterte of personally trying to stop him from testifying against her. Madriaga's lawyer Raymund Palad said at a press conference last week that Duterte visited Madriaga twice this year at his detention facility in Taguig.
Source:Philippine Star
December 22, 2025 03:42 UTC
Sarah Discaya arraignment set next year
Sarah Discaya arraignment set next yearSpouses Curlee and Sarah Discaya arrive at the Department of Justice (DOJ) in Padre Faura, Manila, on Friday, Dec. 19, for the preliminary investigation into the P7.1-billion tax evasion case filed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue. MANILA, Philippines — The arraignment of detained contractor Sarah Discaya before a Cebu court is set on Jan. 13 over charges of graft and malversation. Discaya was arrested by the NBI after her warrant was served at the NBI headquarters in Pasay on Dec. 18. Roma Rimando, is among eight others who were implicated in the Davao Occidental “ghost” flood control project. Sotto flags Discaya threats vs witnessesPasig Mayor Vico Sotto alleged that the camp of contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya has been intimidating former employees willing to testify against them, and engaging in alleged blackmail tied to the ongoing investigation into anomalous flood control projects.
Source:Philippine Star
December 22, 2025 03:16 UTC
What we know so far: Death of ex-DPWH official Cathy Cabral
What we know so far: Death of ex-DPWH official Cathy CabralThen Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Catalina Cabral attends the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee motu proprio hearing on flood control, Sept. 8, 2025. On December 20, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed her death, citing autopsy results. According to Cesar, Cabral asked her driver to leave her alone at Camp 4 along Kennon Road at around 3 p.m. on Thursday. On Saturday night, NBI-Cordillera agents, armed with a search warrant from the Regional Trial Court, sifted through hotel records and documents that may provide leads regarding Cabral’s death. RELATED: Cabral’s death puts probe in 'dangerous territory,' Ombudsman warnsWhat happens nextIn a statement on Sunday, December 21, the PNP said it will prioritize securing evidence related to Cabral’s death.
Source:Philippine Star
December 22, 2025 02:48 UTC
EDITORIAL - Living in a cave
EDITORIAL - Living in a caveAny death due to unnatural causes, including through suicide or an accident, requires a police investigation, with an official police report on the circumstances of the death. This is to rule out any foul play and ensure that a murder victim is not deprived of justice. Even if suicide is reported by relatives in the death of a person in his or her own home, police must step in to rule out foul play. When someone dies of an unnatural cause, police have a duty to find out the identity of the fatality, ASAP. Have those police officers been living in a cave?
Source:Philippine Star
December 22, 2025 02:17 UTC
A limited offer for a limited time
A limited offer for a limited timeI can almost guess that when you read today’s column title, you associated the headline with something for sale, a commercial product or some online promo. In one way the title is accurate, but the “limited offer for a limited time” is not commercial in nature. “Snow is snow” they say and want to do more shopping and sight-seeing than chilling by the hotel fireplace or the like. I even heard of instances when boyfriends or barkadas would show up and insert themselves and their plans on the family itinerary. That is what Christmas is all about – Emmanuel, God’s love, our love among us.
Source:Philippine Star
December 21, 2025 22:59 UTC
PAL tightens hold on long-haul market with new A350-1000
PAL tightens hold on long-haul market with new A350-1000Philippine Airlines marked a historic milestone as the company’s Airbus A350-1000 arrived in Manila on Dec. 20, making the flag carrier the first in Southeast Asia to operate the next-generation widebody aircraft. MANILA, Philippines — Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is cementing its grip in the transpacific market following the arrival of its first Airbus A350-1000, the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. With airline competition tightening up, PAL is expected to retain its stronghold in the long-range market after receiving over the weekend the first of its nine A350-1000s. The A350-1000 is considered as the most efficient aircraft right now for long-haul flights, able to transport up to 382 passengers. PAL Holdings Inc. president Lucio Tan III said the arrival of the A350-1000 gives the airline the flexibility to deploy more units for its long-haul network, where it is the strongest right now.
Source:Philippine Star
December 21, 2025 21:30 UTC
What a wonderful year
What a wonderful yearI know, I know. 2025 does not appear to be a particularly wonderful year for many people. That is precisely why I count the handover of the chairship of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) to the Philippines as one of the absolute high points of 2025. To this day, he is still referred to in regional business circles as “Mr. But we soldiered on, believing in the “Big Brother” concept where established businesses help the small ones grow.
Source:Philippine Star
December 21, 2025 19:38 UTC
PMA cadets shine at Ezhimala regatta
PMA cadets shine at Ezhimala regattaBAGUIO, Philippines — Two cadets from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) made waves on the international stage after delivering an impressive performance at the 14th International Sailing Regatta 2025 recently at the Indian Naval Academy in Ezhimala, India. PMA public affairs chief Lt. Jesse Nestor Saludo said their participation in the Indian event highlighted PMA’s growing presence in global military sports competitions. Cadet 1CL Ezekiel Navarro and Cadet 1CL Jerl Marydwyn Quejada represented PMA in the regatta, with both advancing to the Gold Fleet, the highest competitive level of the event. This was the second time PMA joined the prestigious event, making the cadets’ strong performance particularly noteworthy, Saludo said. Participation in international competitions provides cadets with valuable exposure, fostering friendships and cooperation with foreign military counterparts.
Source:Philippine Star
December 21, 2025 19:38 UTC
Silver Bells
Silver BellsAs “Silver Bells” returns to the holiday playlist, the markets have taken the title literally. Like gold, silver benefits when investors look for “real assets” to protect purchasing power amid inflation concerns and geopolitical risk. And with the Fed cutting rates this year, the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets like gold and silver has fallen. The Silver Institute reports that industrial applications now consume 60 percent of annual silver supply, compared to roughly 10 percent for gold. Silver bells, silver bellsIt’s Christmas time in the cityRing-a-ling, hear them singSoon it will be Christmas dayString of street lights, even stop lightsBlink a bright red and greenAs the shoppers rush home with their treasuresPhilequity Management is the fund manager of the leading mutual funds in the Philippines.
Source:Philippine Star
December 21, 2025 18:27 UTC
Lessons from Thailand
Lessons from ThailandYes, we are all naturally upset from the home cooking in Thailand at the Southeast Asian Games. Thailand did a lot of things wrong. In over a dozen gold medal matches in boxing and taekwondo, only Annie Albania survived by knocking out her opponent. That is why our favorite memories from Thailand are of Alex Eala and Gilas Pilipinas. Others, like the next generation of volleyball players, are ready to step into the big shoes of their elders.
Source:Philippine Star
December 21, 2025 18:11 UTC
BOP gap narrows in November
BOP gap narrows in NovemberMANILA, Philippines — The country’s balance of payments (BOP) deficit narrowed in November compared to a year ago as seasonal inflows and easing import payments helped temper external pressures, even as cumulative figures remained in the red. The BOP gap marked the biggest in six months or since the $298-million shortfall recorded in May. Prior to November, the country posted BOP surpluses for three consecutive months, helping narrow the cumulative deficit from $5.76 billion as of August. Rivera added that the BOP may remain volatile in the near term but could stabilize as seasonal imports ease and global financial conditions improve. “The widening cumulative BOP deficit reflects a timing and composition story rather than a sudden loss of external strength,” Roces said.
Source:Philippine Star
December 21, 2025 18:11 UTC
First Lady, China envoy meet amid West Philippine Sea tensions
First Lady, China envoy meet amid West Philippine Sea tensionsFirst Lady Liza Marcos poses with Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan, Chinese embassy diplomats and leaders of the Filipino-Chinese community at the Laperal Mansion in Manila on Dec. 17. MANILA, Philippines — China’s new envoy met with First Lady Liza Marcos, days after President Marcos emphasized the importance of boosting ties between Manila and Beijing. The First Lady hosted a luncheon for Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan, Chinese embassy diplomats and leaders of the Filipino-Chinese community at the Laperal Mansion on Dec. 17. Photos of the event were posted on the Facebook accounts of the First Lady and the Chinese embassy in Manila. The luncheon was also held as fresh tensions gripped the West Philippine Sea over the Chinese coast guard’s actions against Filipino fishermen in Escoda Shoal.
Source:Philippine Star
December 21, 2025 17:34 UTC
Philippines to align trade policy with climate, development goals
Philippines to align trade policy with climate, development goalsMANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has launched a new initiative to align its trade policy with its climate and development goals, stressing that climate action must be fair and development-oriented to be effective and sustainable. Speaking at the high-level roundtable on Trade, Climate and Sustainable Development in Geneva, Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla said trade, climate and development cannot be treated as separate tracks, particularly for a climate-vulnerable, middle-income country like the Philippines. He emphasized that international discussions on trade-related climate measures must respect the principles of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities under climate law, as well as special and differential treatment in trade law, to gain broad support among developing countries. “Trade policy, if designed well, can help the Philippines manage adjustment to new climate measures abroad, strengthen our own competitiveness and support a just energy transition at home,” Teehankee said. The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the University of the Philippines Law Center Institute of International Legal Studies and the Forum on Trade, Environment and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Source:Philippine Star
December 21, 2025 17:34 UTC
Fair weather, possible rain on Christmas Day seen
Fair weather, possible rain on Christmas Day seenMANILA, Philippines — Generally fair weather with chances of rain and thunderstorm may greet key areas in the country on Christmas Day, based on projections by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). Weather in Metro Manila, Baguio City, Clark Freeport and Economic Zone, Subic Bay Olongapo, Tagaytay City, Lipa City, Legazpi City, Puerto Princesa City and the Kalayaan Island Group may become “partly cloudy to at times cloudy with rain showers and/or thunderstorms,” according to the state weather bureau’s extended weather outlook. Similar weather conditions may prevail over Bacolod City, Iloilo City, Metro Cebu and Tacloban City in the Visayas. Cagayan de Oro City, Valencia City, Metro Davao and Zamboanga City in Mindanao may experience the same conditions. Metro Manila and the rest of the country may expect generally fair weather with chances of rain showers or thunder storm due to the easterlies.
Source:Philippine Star
December 21, 2025 17:34 UTC