The Light of Hope
The Light of HopePut your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. He acknowledged his “downcast” and “disturbed” soul before encouraging readers: “Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (v. 5). Though he was overcome with waves of sorrow and suffering, the psalmist’s hope shone through the remembrance of God’s past faithfulness (vv. Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (v. 11). Thankfully, even these mixed emotions can be reconciled and redeemed through the promises of the true Light of Hope—Jesus.
Source:Philippine Star
December 20, 2025 17:16 UTC
PNB upgrades US remittance platform
PNB upgrades US remittance platformPNB said its US remittance affiliate, PNB Remittance Centers Inc, has introduced PNB e-Send, an enhanced digital remittance service designed to make money transfers from the United States to the Philippines faster and more secure. PNB said its US remittance affiliate, PNB Remittance Centers Inc, has introduced PNB e-Send, an enhanced digital remittance service designed to make money transfers from the United States to the Philippines faster and more secure. The new platform replaces PNB Web Remit and marks a major step in modernizing the bank’s digital channels for Filipinos abroad. “With PNB e-Send, every transfer connects you home,” said Muffet Flores-Caculitan, first senior vice president and head of PNB International Banking and Remittance Group. PNB e-Send operates across smartphones, tablets and laptops, allowing users to register, send funds and track transactions anytime and anywhere.
Source:Philippine Star
December 20, 2025 17:04 UTC
Government workers to receive P5,000 incentive
Government workers to receive P5,000 incentivePresident Marcos has approved the release of the Productivity Enhancement Incentive (PEI) for Fiscal Year 2025, according to Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro. MANILA, Philippines — Qualified government workers will receive a P5,000 cash incentive in recognition of their dedicated service, professionalism and vital role in public service, Malacañang announced on Friday. President Marcos has approved the release of the Productivity Enhancement Incentive (PEI) for Fiscal Year 2025, according to Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro. Following the official issuance of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the release of the P20,000 Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) will be paid in parts, starting this December. A P10,000 Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) incentive will also be granted to eligible non-teaching personnel with regular, contractual and coterminous appointments.
Source:Philippine Star
December 20, 2025 17:00 UTC
Medical groups urge higher PhilHealth funding, phaseout of MAIFIP
Medical groups urge higher PhilHealth funding, phaseout of MAIFIPIn a statement, 68 health groups led by the Healthcare Professionals Alliance Against COVID-19 (HPAAC) called on the government to strengthen PhilHealth funding while gradually reducing reliance on MAIFIP. In a statement, 68 health groups led by the Healthcare Professionals Alliance Against COVID-19 (HPAAC) called on the government to strengthen PhilHealth funding while gradually reducing reliance on MAIFIP. “The government should move beyond promises of greater health benefits and ensure adequate funding to fulfill these commitments,” the groups said. The bicameral conference committee for the 2026 General Appropriations Bill (House Bill 4058) increased the proposed MAIFIP budget to P51 billion, while allocating P69.78 billion for PhilHealth insurance premiums for the poor. The current allocation of P69.78 billion leaves a significant funding gap,” it added.
Source:Philippine Star
December 20, 2025 17:00 UTC
Over 70,000 pass licensure exams for teachers – PRC
Over 70,000 pass licensure exams for teachers – PRCThe Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced that 21,967 elementary teachers out of 43,035 examinees and 57,729 secondary teachers out of 79,493 examinees successfully passed the LEPT. MANILA, Philippines — Over 70,000 examinees passed the Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT) given last Sept. 21 and Nov. 30. The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced that 21,967 elementary teachers out of 43,035 examinees and 57,729 secondary teachers out of 79,493 examinees successfully passed the LEPT. Christel Zamora de los Reyes of Cebu Normal University topped the licensure examination for elementary teachers with a score of 94.40 percent. For the licensure examination for secondary teachers, Jed Vincent Requilme Abadia of Cebu Normal University topped the exam with a score of 94.80.
Source:Philippine Star
December 20, 2025 17:00 UTC
Bicam restores unprogrammed funds to P243 billion
Bicam restores unprogrammed funds to P243 billionLawmakers pose for a photo after bicam sessions wrap up on December 18, 2025. In the Senate-approved General Appropriations Bill, unprogrammed appropriations were reduced to P174.55 billion – P68.66 billion lower than the House-approved allocation of P243.22 billion. From the House-approved allocation of P243.2 billion, the bicam raised the UA to P243.4 – an increase of about P178.1 million. There are guidelines and rules in place to prevent the funds to be diverted to flood control,” Gatchalian said. Calls to strengthen congressional oversight have grown following repeated findings of irregularities in major infrastructure and assistance programs, particularly flood control projects and lump-sum funds.
Source:Philippine Star
December 20, 2025 17:00 UTC
3 weather systems bring rains
3 weather systems bring rainsThe easterlies will become a dominant weather system in several areas, while weather in extreme northern Luzon and southern Mindanao will be affected by the northeast monsoon and the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ). MANILA, Philippines — Most parts of the country may expect rainy weather this week due to three weather systems, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). The easterlies will become a dominant weather system in several areas, while weather in extreme northern Luzon and southern Mindanao will be affected by the northeast monsoon and the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ). Batanes may also experience cloudy and rainy weather because of the northeast monsoon. Despite the prediction of rains, PAGASA noted it has not monitored any low-pressure area within the Philippine area of responsibility.
Source:Philippine Star
December 20, 2025 16:38 UTC
Expect lower fuel prices ahead of Christmas
Expect lower fuel prices ahead of ChristmasOil firms are projected to roll back gasoline prices by P0.60 to P0.80 per liter, diesel by P1 to P1.20 per liter and kerosene by around P1.75 per liter, according to industry experts. MANILA, Philippines — Motorists can expect some holiday relief at the pump this week, with diesel prices set to drop by at least P1 per liter ahead of Christmas. Oil firms are projected to roll back gasoline prices by P0.60 to P0.80 per liter, diesel by P1 to P1.20 per liter and kerosene by around P1.75 per liter, according to industry experts. The estimates reflect the trading results in the Mean of Platts Singapore over the past days. Last Tuesday, gasoline prices climbed by P0.20 per liter, while diesel and kerosene went down by P0.20 per liter.
Source:Philippine Star
December 20, 2025 16:18 UTC
First Philippines Handloom Weaving Festival a success
First Philippines Handloom Weaving Festival a successThe event was part of the 2025 National Science, Technology and Innovation Week (NSTW) and organized by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST–PTRI), in partnership with the provincial government of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Norte Tourism, Cebu Pacific Air, Robinsons Ilocos and the Local Government of Taguig. MANILA, Philippines — The first-ever Philippine Handloom Weaving Festival (PHWF) gathered more than 120 weavers from over 40 weaving communities and textile enthusiasts to foster a learning and cultural space where weaving communities, researchers, designers and experts converge to expand their knowledge and push the boundaries of traditional handloom weaving industry. The festival ran from Nov. 19 to 22, 2025, at the Robinsons Ilocos, Ilocos Norte, featuring a series of events designed to advance knowledge-sharing and strengthen weaving communities nationwide. The event was held in partnership with the provincial government of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Norte Tourism, Cebu Pacific Air, Robinsons Ilocos and the local Government of Taguig. Techno Demo Weaving Workshop – hands-on demonstrations of weaving techniques and textile technologies.
Source:Philippine Star
December 20, 2025 16:15 UTC
Criminal tax probes to continue despite audit suspension – BIR
Criminal tax probes to continue despite audit suspension – BIRIn line with the agency’s legal obligation, the BIR said the investigations would continue because they involve potential tax fraud, which the agency is legally mandated to pursue without delay. MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) clarified that its suspension of memoranda orders and issuance of letters of authority does not cover investigations involving criminal tax fraud, which will continue if supported by intelligence or risk indicators. “The suspension does not apply to criminal tax investigations,” the tax agency said. Furthermore, the suspension does not apply to taxpayers seeking refunds, as claims or applications for tax refunds are exempt and will continue to be processed by the relevant authorities. The tax agency may continue verifying withholding and related taxes on real property sales, as these checks ensure proper tax imposition and are among the exceptions allowed to proceed even during the suspension period.
Source:Philippine Star
December 20, 2025 16:15 UTC
How surveillance technology and the 'Reddit Detective Agency' helped search for a killer
How surveillance technology and the 'Reddit Detective Agency' helped search for a killerThis image provided by Providence Police Dept. shows surveillance images of Claudio Neves Valente, a suspect in the mass shooting at Brown University. (Providence Police Dept.
Source:The Standard
December 20, 2025 15:52 UTC
What is so special about TikTok's algorithm?
A woman who said she was making a video to be posted on TikTok, poses in a booth that swirls a mobile phone around 360 degrees in Times Square in New York City, New York, U.S., March 13, 2024. REUTERS/Mike Segar
Source:The Standard
December 20, 2025 15:37 UTC
Gisele Bündchen ties the knot with Jiu-jitsu coach Joaquim Valente
Congratulations are in order for Gisele Bündchen and Jiu-jitsu instructor Joaquim Valente! Though the model initially denied the rumors, a source told People in February 2024 that their bond has since evolved into a romance. Another source noted that Valente “was a huge comfort" for Bündchen, who was going through a divorce. By October 2024, news broke that Bündchen was expecting her first child with Valente. They officially welcomed their baby boy early this year, joining Bündchen’s two children with Brady: 15-year-old Benjamin Rein and 12-year-old Vivian Lake.
Source:Philippine Star
December 20, 2025 15:31 UTC
Pag-IBIG extends super sale on acquired assets, offers up to 40% off
The Pag-IBIG Fund is extending its Acquired Assets Super Sale until Dec. 31. Launched earlier this year, the sale applies to properties published for auction or direct purchase from Aug. 25 to Dec. 31, 2025. Both Pag-IBIG Fund members and non-members can bid on the sale. Bidding is done online through the Pag-IBIG Fund website’s public auction. Discounts are available for properties listed for first and second public auctions, negotiated sales, and direct purchase.
Source:Philippine Star
December 20, 2025 15:31 UTC